NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Fit India Movement from the Indira Gandhi Stadium here Thursday at 10 am on the occasion of National Sports Day.
The movement has been launched with an objective to create awareness for good health in general public.
After a colourful presentation of India’s indigenous martial art forms, dances and sports, Modi paid tribute to argably the world’s greatest ever hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, who was born on this day in 1905. He said, “On this day, a great sportsperson was born, Major Dhyan Chand. He amazed the world with his fitness, stamina, and hockey stick.”
Talking on the newly-launched Fit India campaign, Modi urged people to make fitness a part of their daily lives.
“Fitness has always been an integral part of our culture. But, there is indifference towards fitness issues now. A few decades back, a normal person would walk 8-10km in a day, do cycling or run,” Modi said.
“But, with technology, physical activity has reduced. We walk less now and the same technology tells us that we are not walking enough,” he added.
The launch was also attended by Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju and National Sports Awards 2019 winners, among others.
Ahead of the event launch, Rijiju tweeted: “Tremendous supports are coming from all sections of the society to participate in the Fit India Movement to be launched by PM Narendra Modiji…”
Speaking at the launch event, Rijiju said: “We will take this movement to new heights with the cooperation of my fellow Indians. I am so glad that this movement is being launched on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, our hockey wizard.”
The Prime Minister congratulated the winners of the national sports awards and lauded India’s sporting achievements.
“Be it boxing, badminton, tennis or any sport, our athletes are giving new wings to our aspirations. Their medals are not just a result of their hard work but also a reflection of a new India’s confidence,” he said.
On the launch of the programme, Modi launched a “Fitness Logo”. The Prime Minister also administered a fitness pledge on the occasion that reads: “I promise to myself that I will devote time for physical activity and sports every day and I will encourage my family members and neighbours to be physically fit and make India a fit nation.”
The Fit India campaign is supported by several national sports icons including World Badminton champion PV Sindhu, sprinter Hima Das, along with celebrated wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik.
“I am taking the pledge, are you guys ready to take the pledge,” PV Sindhu said, in a video released by Sports Authority of India on August 27, encouraging followers to take out some time every day to keep fit.
