NewzVille Desk
The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026, a flagship national public outreach and awareness initiative, was virtually flagged off at 0730 hrs on Wednesday from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
The event was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
With the flag-off, the 25-day mega national movement formally commenced, as two CISF cycling teams simultaneously set out from Bakkhali (West Bengal) and Lakhpat (Gujarat).
The teams will collectively traverse approximately 6,500 kilometres along India’s eastern and western coastlines, covering nine coastal States and two Union Territories, before culminating at Kochi on 22 February 2026.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by several eminent dignitaries, including Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports; Shatrujeet Kapur, Director General, ITBP; Praveer Ranjan, Director General, CISF; Rakesh Aggarwal, Director General, NIA; Gaurav Dwivedi, IAS, CEO, Prasar Bharati and, Sanjay Singhal, Director General, SSB along with other senior officers.
The dignitaries also participated in a cycle rally near India Gate, symbolically extending their support to the cyclists.
