New Delhi: New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nation-wide campaign to encourage people to inculcate physical activity and sports in their everyday lives, named ‘Fit India Movement’, on Thursday, August 29.The inaugural event held at Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex in New Delhi at 10:00 am
After a colourful presentation of India’s indigenous martial art forms, dances and sports, PM Modi paid tribute to Dhyan Chand. He said, “On this day, a great sportsperson was born, Major Dhyan Chand. He amazed the world with his fitness, stamina, and hockey stick.”
At the event, PM Modi said technology contributed to a sedentary lifestyle.
“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 8-10 km 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.
Fit India Movement is aimed at encouraging people to give priority to sports and fitness in their day-to-day lives. This is not the first time the Modi government has launched a fitness campaign. Apart from celebrating International Yoga Day on a large scale every year, the government last year had come up with #HumFitTohIndiaFit campaign.
The launch was also attended by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and National Sports Awards 2019 winners among others.
“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,” Rijiju said at the launch.
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.
