Sambalpur, Dec 2: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a video message at the inauguration of the 30th National Road Cycling Championship 2025 in Sambalpur on Tuesday, said that cycling plays a crucial role in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India Movement. He noted that the Prime Minister has been consistently inspiring citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, and cycling is one of the most effective ways to achieve the goals of fitness and well-being.

Pradhan said, “The 30th National Road Cycling Championship in the cultural city of Sambalpur is not just a competition. It is a significant platform that brings together the country’s finest cyclists".

Beginning on December 2, the championship will continue till December 6, offering emerging talent a national stage.

This year’s event is being held from Naxapali to Jhankarpali, with more than 850 cyclists and 122 team officials from across India, including Odisha, participating.

The Minister said the large turnout reflects a positive shift in youth enthusiasm for sports and fitness. He added that the championship aims to encourage sporting spirit among young people and motivate them to prioritise physical fitness.

Calling sportspersons the “brand ambassadors of the nation”, Pradhan emphasised that their dedication and discipline have brought India global recognition. “Just as hard work is essential in life, physical and mental fitness is equally important. Participants should not merely compete but uphold true sportsmanship,” he said.

ସମ୍ବଲପୁରରେ “୩୦ତମ ନ୍ୟାସନାଲ ରୋଡ୍ ସାଇକେଲିଂ ଚାମ୍ପିୟନସିପ୍ – ୨୦୨୫” ଶୁଭାରମ୍ଭ ଅବସରରେ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା । ଏହି ଚାମ୍ପିୟନସିପ୍ କେବଳ ଏକ ପ୍ରତିଯୋଗିତା ନୁହେଁ, ଏହା ହେଉଛି ଭାରତର ଶ୍ରେଷ୍ଠ ସାଇକେଲ ଚାଳକମାନଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତିଭାକୁ ଗୋଟିଏ ମଞ୍ଚରେ ଏକାଠି କରିବାର ମହାନ ଅବସର । ଆଜିର ଆୟୋଜନ ପାଇଁ ମୁଁ ସମ୍ବଲପୁର ଜିଲ୍ଲା ପ୍ରଶାସନ, @cfiindia_ ,… pic.twitter.com/3fxpq7LQqw

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) December 2, 2025

Highlighting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he said sports have now been made an integral part of the curriculum. The goal is to create a strong sports foundation from the grassroots to the Olympic level. He expressed hope that with the blessings of Maa Samaleswari, the championship would help strengthen Odisha’s and India’s presence in international sports.

He also urged participants to visit iconic sites such as Samaleswari Temple, Bhima Bhoi’s Satyabadi Sthala, Hirakud Dam, Khinda (birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai), Ushakothi and Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary during their stay. He encouraged them to savour Sambalpur’s traditional foods, including the famous Sarsatia.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Slams Congress Over Naxal Policy Failures During UPA Regime

Pradhan extended his best wishes to all participants in both men’s and women’s categories and thanked the Sambalpur district administration and organisers for successfully hosting the national event.