By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is currently touring Bihar. On Thursday morning, he cycled 10 km along the roads of Patna, accompanied by Bihar’s Sports Minister Surendra Mehta, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority Raveendran Sankaran, and Principal Secretary of the Sports Department B Rajendran. Several local cyclists and members of the Bihar cycling team also joined the ride, following the Sports Minister through the streets of Patna.
Known for his commitment to fitness, the Sports Minister cycles daily and frequently rides to his office. He arrived in Bihar on Wednesday to present the trophy to the winning team at the final match of the Bihar Asian Women’s Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024. On Thursday, he is scheduled to participate in a discussion on the development of sports in Bihar, organised at Bapu Tower.
As part of his itinerary, Minister Mandaviya informed the Bihar Sports Department of his intention to cycle with local cyclists. Starting from the Patna Guest House, where he is staying, he rode via Atal Path to JP Setu and onwards to the Pataliputra Sports Complex. He was joined by Bihar’s Sports Minister and other senior officials from the Sports Department.
Through his cycling initiative, the Union Sports Minister delivered a message of environmental protection and physical fitness. He also interacted with members of the Bihar cycling team and highlighted the importance of incorporating cycling into daily life to maintain fitness.
In a significant announcement, Minister Mandaviya assured Bihar that it would host the Asian Men’s Hockey Championship in 2025, with the potential participation of Pakistan’s team in the tournament.