Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, felicitated Saiyami Kher, Shivoham, and Vrinda Bhatt as Fit India Icons, recognising their contribution to promoting health and wellness across communities. Ankur Garg, and Fit India Champions Karan Tacker, Vishwas Patil, and Krishna Prakash were also felicitated by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mandaviya as Fit India Ambassadors for their ongoing efforts in inspiring citizens to embrace fitness as a way of life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf we do not understand the value of fitness, it will not be possible to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u2019s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Times have changed. In earlier days, people travelled on foot and cycled to distant places. Fitness happened naturally. In a digital world, we hardly move and don\u2019t care about fitness. We have to find ways to break that,\" the Union Minister said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOnly if the middle class and upper middle class give priority to fitness will we grow faster as a nation. No other economy in the world is growing at 8% annually. Imagine what fitness can do to India, where 65% of the population is below the age of 35,\u201d added Dr. Mandaviya.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFitness is not only about health. It is integral to business as well. There is a huge market for sports goods. I can see how the awareness towards sports is changing. If we can harness sports science and produce nutrition supplements and fitness equipment in India, the sports fitness industry will stand to gain immensely,\u201d he further elaborated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smt. Raksha Khadse said, \u201cIndia is an emerging nation in sports. The opportunities in the fitness world are immense. It is necessary that the entire ecosystem comes together and works towards a fitter India. Sundays on Cycle is a small effort, but the results can be great in the long run. India\u2019s all-round growth is clearly related to physical and mental growth.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Film director and producer Rohit Shetty cautioned against \u201chealth influencers\u201d who preach fitness on social media without proper knowledge. \u201cIt is a scary scenario. The new generation has to be careful when they want to grow their bodies overnight.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal said, \u201cFitness is related to sports culture\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLook at China and Japan. Their excellent results in global competitions are a result of the fitness culture. In India, this is changing. There is a lot of talent, but there is no shortcut to success. Parents need to understand that and be patient. Pay attention to fitness first, and excellence will come with hard work. Also, keep that mobile phone away and be strict with your child,\u201d said Saina.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
World Cup cricket champion Harbhajan Singh said India often lost matches due to a lack of fitness. \u201cAll credit to Virat Kohli for changing that mindset. We always had the skills, but Indian cricketers are now superbly fit. They don\u2019t drop catches anymore, and that makes a difference. Eat right, rest right, and work out properly, and see the difference. I really appreciate the efforts of the Prime Minister and the Sports Ministry for prioritising fitness,\u201d said Harbhajan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLook at China and Japan. Their excellent results in global competitions are a result of the fitness culture. In India, this is changing. There is a lot of talent, but there is no shortcut to success. Parents need to understand that and be patient. Pay attention to fitness first, and excellence will come with hard work. Also, keep that mobile phone away and be strict with your child,\u201d said Saina.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The FIT INDIA Movement was launched on August 29, 2019, by PM Narendra Modi with a view to making fitness an integral part of our daily lives. The mission of the Movement is to bring about behavioural changes and move towards a more physically active lifestyle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n