Fitness needs willpower & discipline, says woman grandmaster of chess

Celebrating eight years of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ event rolled out across the country on Sunday with a resounding message — fitness, community and environmental consciousness. The nationwide campaign saw massive participation across CBIC-GST centres, with cycling, yoga and other fitness activities bringing together citizens from all walks of life in a synchronised movement for health and well-being.

In the national capital, the event at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium turned into a dynamic celebration of physical and mental wellness. Among the key figures inspiring the crowd was Indian chess grandmaster and Olympiad gold medallist Tania Sachdev, who joined hundreds of participants on the cycling route.

Fresh from her gold medal win at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Sachdev lent her star power and voice to the fitness movement. “Fitness doesn’t need fancy equipment or a gym — just willpower and discipline,” she told the crowd. “Stamina is essential even in chess. Cycling is now a big part of my fitness regime.”

The Delhi event, which saw over 600 participants, featured a mix of Zumba, rope skipping and yoga sessions in addition to the cycle rally, turning the Sunday morning into a festival of fitness and community.

Sachdev noted the collective spirit of the event, saying, “It’s such a good experience — people came out with a lot of energy. It’s all because of the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the initiative of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. It’s a beautiful reminder that fitness doesn’t require a gym or expensive equipment. The motivation to come together is enough.”

Reflecting on her training schedule and upcoming commitments, Sachdev added, “I just got back from a training session and I’m now flying to Norway for commentary at the upcoming chess tournament. In August, I’ll be back to playing. Fitness is a big part of chess and I’m definitely adding cycling to my routine.”

The event aligned with the broader goals of the Fit India Movement, launched in 2019 by PM Modi to encourage citizens to adopt a healthier lifestyle. By merging fitness awareness with a landmark policy anniversary, this year’s ‘Sundays on Cycle’ served as a reminder of the government’s continued commitment to health, community building and environmental sustainability.

Delhi