India, Aug. 3 -- A symbolic 79-km cyclothon, with riders largely consisting of 79 NCC cadets, was held here on Sunday to mark 79 years of India's Independence, officials said. The cyclothon was flagged off by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya in the presence of Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, boxer M C Mary Kom and former tennis player Leander Paes. Director General, National Cadet Corps, Lt Gen Virendra Vats led the group of 79 NCC cadets in a symbolic 79-km ride to mark 79 years of India's Independence, the defence ministry said in a statement. Also Read - Gujarat: 22 children die of Chandipura virus this monsoon The event commenced from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and concluded at the same venue after successfully covering the designated route through prominent landmarks of the national capital. The initiative aimed to inspire the youth to embrace fitness, environmental responsibility, and sustainable living while reinforcing the core values of patriotism, discipline, unity, and national service that form the foundation of the NCC, it said. Organised under the theme 'Clean India, Green India, Fit India,' the cyclothon reaffirmed NCC's commitment to national missions such as TB Mukt Bharat, Swachh Bharat, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Har Ghar Tiranga, the ministry said. Also Read - CJP hails SC clarification on FIRs against NEET protesters The event encouraged participants and the public to adopt cycling as an eco-friendly and sustainable mode of transport while promoting environmental conservation, reducing carbon emissions, and embracing healthy lifestyles, officials said. Beyond being a sporting event, 'NCC Cyclothon 2026' served as a platform to create awareness about physical fitness, environmental stewardship, road safety and responsible citizenship, they said. The initiative inspired the youth to become ambassadors of positive social change by embracing discipline, teamwork, resilience, and community service, thereby contributing to the vision of a stronger, healthier, and greener India, the ministry said.

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