In a significant initiative under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ flagship program, the Fit India Mission is gearing up to unveil its latest venture—the ‘Fit India Champions’ podcast series. Developed in partnership with GOQii, a key player in the fitness sector leveraging digital and multimedia technology for proactive health management, the innovative series spotlights the extraordinary achievements and inspirational tales of India’s sports heroes. The inaugural episode is set to premiere on January 27, featuring the sensational armless archer Sheetal Devi, who claimed gold in her debut at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.
Sheetal Devi, who practices for 6-7 hours daily, shared her training routine and the mantra that fuels her success: “I begin my day by stretching the bow and then engage in matches with my siblings. My inner mantra is ‘koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti’ (those who make an effort never lose), which helps me win matches,” revealed the archer from Jammu.
Following Sheetal Devi, the second episode showcases Neeraj Chopra, the World and Olympic javelin champion, who delves into the lesser-known aspects of his professional journey and the challenges faced during his youth. As one of the world’s fittest athletes, Chopra emphasizes the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for peak mental performance. Stressing the importance of fitness, Chopra mentions Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Fitness ki dose, aadha ghanta roz’ (a half-hour dose of fitness daily) but advocates for a balanced approach without overworking the body. Chopra’s episode is scheduled for airing on February 10.
Hosted by Ms. Ekta Vishnoi, the Deputy Director General of the Sports Authority of India and the Mission Director of Fit India, the 10-part series promises intimate and insightful conversations. The episodes will be available on various digital and social media platforms, including YouTube, with a release schedule of every second and fourth Saturday. The lineup includes diverse athletes and fitness influencers such as Arjun Vajpayee, Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Sumit Antil, and Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medalist boxer Nitu Ghanghas.
Timed just ahead of the Paris Olympics in July-August 2024, the series aims to offer sports enthusiasts a glimpse into the lifestyles of India’s sporting icons. The Fit India Movement, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2019, continues to gain popularity nationwide, encouraging people to embrace a healthy lifestyle through various initiatives and programs promoting physical activity and well-being.
