The highly anticipated Fit India Carnival officially launched today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, marking the start of a three-day celebration of fitness and wellness. The grand opening was attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, alongside Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, wrestling champion Sangram Singh, wellness expert Mickey Mehta, former WWE wrestler Shanky Singh, and Guinness World Record holder Rohtash Chaudhary.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the importance of fitness for the nation. “This is just the beginning of a movement to embed sports and fitness into our culture. We aim to extend the Fit India Carnival to other cities and towns across the country,” he stated. “This event is not just about fitness but about overall wellness, including mental health, emotional well-being, nutrition, and more.”
Ayushmann Khurrana was honored as a ‘Fit India Icon’ during the event. He shared his thoughts on the importance of health, saying, “Health is Wealth. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for their relentless work toward promoting fitness and wellness in India.”
The evening kicked off with vibrant performances of traditional martial arts, including Kalaripayattu, Gatka, and Mallakhamb, highlighting India’s rich heritage. Over the next two days, the carnival will feature a variety of sports and fitness challenges such as rope skipping, arm wrestling, cricket bowling, push-up, and squat competitions.
Additionally, experts from the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR) are providing free health assessments, including nutritional advice and psychological consultations for participants.
A special highlight was the launch of the book “Benefits of Cycling,” curated by the NCSSR team, to promote cycling as part of a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Mandaviya also led a Q&A session with fitness icons, discussing the importance of staying active.
The event concluded with an exciting cultural segment titled ‘Fitness through Dance,’ where attendees were captivated by high-energy performances. Ayushmann Khurrana, Sangram Singh, and Mickey Mehta also participated in a fun fitness challenge, encouraging everyone to stay motivated and push their limits.
Dr. Mandaviya wrapped up the event by visiting various stalls showcasing health and wellness initiatives, further reinforcing the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle.
