PM Modi launches 'Fit India Movement', hails sports star Dhyan Chand

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 29 launched the nation-wide 'Fit India Movement' promote a healthy and fit lifestyle among fellow Indians. The event was launched here at the Indira Gandhi Stadium at 10:46 am.

Remembering the ace-spots person Dhayan Chand, PM Modi said, "On this day a great sportsperson was born, Major Dhyan Chand. He amazed the world with his his fitness, stamina, and hockey stick."

“Fit India movement”, which is launched on the occasion of the National Sports Day, aims to encourage people to take part in physical activities and sports in their everyday lives. PM Modi also administered a fitness pledge on the occasion.

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Highlights of the program:

-PM Modi Concluded his speech.

-Talking about self motivation and fitness PM Modi said, Fitness mission not a government movement. The government only aims to act as a catalyst.

-Quoting a famous proverb, "There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs", PM Modi said even to become successful one needs to do hardwork and labour.

-Every successful man takes his health as his priority.

-PM Modi urges people to take up sports, says, Sports has direct connection with fitness. Fitness is necessary for a healthy life.

-"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.PM Modi said Fit mind in a fit body is important.

-The Prime Minister congratulated the winners of the national sports awards and lauded India's sporting achievements.

-"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 launch was also attended by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and this year's National Sports Awards winners among others.

-"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.

-"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 at the event.

-Speaking at a colourful ceremony, which included a presentation of India's indigenous martial art forms, dances and sports, PM Modi said technology has contributed to a sedentary lifestyle.

-To take part in 'Fit India Movement' on the occasion of National Sports Day, Thousands of people gathered at Indira Gandhi Stadium.

-Appealing fellow Indians to join 'Fit India Movement' by PM Modi, Defense Minster, Rajnath Singh twitted on his micro-blogging site,

I am also happy to know that the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi himself is going to launch the #FitIndiaMovement today to mark the National Sports Day.

I appeal to everyone to join this fitness movement and make a ‘Fitter & Better India’.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 29, 2019

Aim of the 'Fit India Movement':

-It encourages people to inculcate physical activity and sports in their everyday lives.

-The University Grant Commission has issued a letter to inform the universities to prepare for the Movement.

-A committee comprising government officials, members of Indian Olympic Association (IOA), national sports federations, private bodies and fitness promoters is also formed to advise the Indian government on the Fit India Movement.

-A 28-member committee, under the chairmanship of sports minister Kiren Rijiju, has been set- up, which comprises 12 members from the government, including secretaries of Sports, Secondary Education, Ayush, Youth Affairs, among others.

The live programs are being telecast live on Doordarshan, which termed it a “mass movement”. DD and Sports Authority of India will stream it live on their individual YouTube channel as well.