New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the “Fit India Movement” on Thursday at a colourful ceremony, here. Modi in his speech at the launch said that the initiative was the need of the hour and world take the country towards a healthier future. He stressed that technology had contributed to a sedentary life style.

       Fitness has always been an integral part of our culture, he said. But there is indifference towards fitness issues now he said. A few decades back, a normal person would walk eight to ten kilometers in a day, do cycling or run, he said. He lauded sporting achievements and congratulated winners of the National sports awards. He also said that the sports boxing, badminton, tennis or any others our athletes are giving new wings to our aspirations.

        The athlete’s medals do not just reflect their hard work, but also a reflection of a new India’s confidence. Several stars from the film fraternity congratulated the Prime Minister and Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju for launching the Fit India Movement to make people aware of the importance of being Fit and healthy.

      The launch was attended by Mr. Rijiju and this year’s national sports awards 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.