Cycling offers a practical solution to environmental challenges while promoting a healthy lifestyle, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh L. Mandaviya said on Sunday, underscoring the growing acceptance of this idea among India’s youth.
The Minister was in Karaikal attending a series of official programmes on the weekend. On Sunday, coinciding with National Voters’ Day, he took part in the Fit India – 58th Sundays on Cycle initiative organised under the My Bharat – My Vote campaign.
Addressing participants at the launch event at the Anna Government Arts College, Mr. Mandaviya said that a strong democracy depended on healthy and aware citizens. “By integrating National Voters’ Day with the Sundays on Cycle movement, young Indians are encouraged not only to adopt fitness as a way of life but also to recognise their role in shaping the country’s future,” he said.
Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan, Speaker R. Selvam, Ministers A. Namassivayam and P.R.N. Thirumurugan, MLA Kalyanasundaram, Karaikal Collector A.S.P.S. Ravi Prakash, and Senior Superintendent of Police Lakshmi Sowjanya were present.
Synthetic track
Later in the day, Mr. Mandaviya laid the foundation stone for the construction of a synthetic athletic track at the Karaikal District Sports Complex, to be built at a cost of ₹9.50 crore under a special Central assistance scheme. The sports complex, located along the V.O.C. eastern bypass, includes an indoor stadium and an open-air gallery with a seating capacity of about 1,500.
The project envisages the construction of a 400-metre-long synthetic track with eight lanes, each 1.22 metres wide, along with a separate 60-metre warm-up track.
Published – January 25, 2026 07:17 pm IST