Over 50,000 youth pedal across all 20 J&K districts

Organized under the far-reaching guidance of Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports J&K, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, and Director General of the Department, Anuradha Gupta, cycling events focusing on inspiring long-term healthy living and behavioral modification were organised across the UT of J&K on Sunday.

In a historic display of community mobilization, the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), as per a DYSS statement, successfully galvanized more than 50,000 youth across the length and breadth of the Union Territory for a synchronized mega-cycling initiative.

Driven by the core philosophy of the Fit India Movement and aligned robustly with the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan, this massive public outreach program witnessed simultaneous turnouts across all 20 districts and 187 zones of the region. By channeling the vibrant energy of over 50,000 young citizens into constructive sporting activities, DYSS has reinforced its steadfast commitment to weaving a comprehensive, community-wide message detailing the severe ill effects of drug abuse and substance menace on society.

Reports from across the UT indicate that the participation and enthusiasm from every single corner of the region have been highly encouraging, demonstrating a total, unified effort by all districts under the leadership of the Directorate.

Underscoring this grand UT-wide vision, individual districts showcased extraordinary community participation under bright summer skies. In Pulwama, the community cycling event commenced early in the morning from the circular road crossing near the District Jail, covering a scenic three-kilometer route through Chattapora and its adjoining areas. Enthusiastic participants, including students, youth club members, local athletes, and residents, pedaled in unison to promote physical fitness, environmental responsibility, and a drug-free lifestyle. Highlighting the event’s significance, Zonal Physical Education Officer Kakapora, Shahnawaz Hussain lauded the initiative for fostering deep community bonding and behavior change among the youth, reiterating that such programs are central to energising the younger generation and building a healthier society.

The successful execution of the event in Pulwama was further augmented by the vital assistance provided by the local administration, police department, and participating educational institutions.

Simultaneously, a similarly vibrant chapter unfolded in Bandipora, where DYSS organized its cycling event from Kangri Chowk to the Forest Ground in Chatternaar. Designed to instill a culture of daily physical activity and advance the message of a healthy, resilient India, the event saw a massive influx of participants from diverse areas of the district.

Departmental officials expressed immense gratitude to the youth, students, and institutional stakeholders whose active presence transformed the rally into a grand success. Adding to the momentum of this synchronized movement, Budgam also witnessed overwhelming participation as DYSS organized extensive cycling rallies across all zones of the district, including Nagam, Narbal, Magam, and Chadoora. Students, youth, and sports enthusiasts joined the campaign with immense dedication, cycling through designated routes to champion the cause of physical fitness, active living, and environmental awareness.

The events highlighted how incorporating cycling into daily routines functions as both a healthy recreational outlet and an eco-friendly mode of transportation. Departmental officials warmly praised the robust response from the local communities, emphasizing that the coordinated effort across all zones reflects a structured resolve to uplift youth welfare.

Further expanding the sweep of this UT-wide campaign, Reasi also made a significant contribution with a dedicated cycling rally that commenced from the District Youth Services and Sports Office and concluded at the landmark General Zorawar Singh Stadium. Bringing together departmental officials, youth, and sports enthusiasts, the event emphasized the critical intersection of personal physical fitness and environmental sustainability.

Highlighting the purpose of the rally, Asha Devi spoke on the occasion to emphasise that regular physical activity is a cornerstone of daily wellness and a vital tool for enhancing mental well-being. She reiterated that the fundamental goal of the Fit India Movement is to seamlessly cultivate active and conscious lifestyles across all age groups, a mission that directly complements the broader regional effort to guide youth toward healthier life choices.