Kiren Rijiju Celebrates Fit India Movement's Nationwide Impact

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has lauded the Fit India Movement for its widespread acceptance across various demographics, emphasizing its role in promoting health and fitness. During a recent press event, he reflected on the initiative's journey and its impact on the nation. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized the achievements of Indian athletes during his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program, celebrating their record-breaking performances at a national competition. This article delves into the significance of these developments and their implications for India's sporting culture.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 20:49 IST

Fit India Movement: A National Endeavor

On Tuesday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju commended the expanding influence of the Fit India Movement, which was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that this initiative has transformed into a national campaign embraced by individuals of all ages and professions. Rijiju expressed his joy at the movement's growth and the increasing public involvement during a press conference following the launch of a book related to Fit India.

Reflecting on his journey with the Fit India Movement since its inception, Rijiju highlighted its evolution into a widespread initiative that encourages health, fitness, and active lifestyles throughout the nation. He stated, "Various programs are conducted under the Fit India banner. Today, we celebrated the release of a book, which is a significant milestone. I take pride in having led the Fit India Movement from its beginning. The slogan of Fit India is now echoing across the country, and it is gratifying to see participation from people of all backgrounds and ages. India is indeed on its way to becoming fit. This book has been authored by Narendra Ji, an IAS officer."

PM Modi Honors Record-Breaking Athletes on 'Mann Ki Baat'

In a previous episode of his radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian athletes for their remarkable performances at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi, Jharkhand. He recognized five athletes—Gurindervir Singh, Vishal TK, Tejaswin Shankar, Dev Meena, and Kuldeep Kumar—for breaking national records in four different events during the competition.

PM Modi Engages with Sprinters

During the broadcast, PM Modi interacted with Gurindervir Singh, commending the 25-year-old Indian Navy officer for becoming the fastest Indian sprinter by clocking 10.09 seconds in the men's 100m final. This achievement made him the first Indian to surpass the 10.10-second mark, breaking Milkha Singh's long-standing record and qualifying him for both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

The Prime Minister also praised Animesh Kujur, who had briefly set a new men's 100m national record just moments after Gurindervir Singh during the semi-finals. This swift exchange of records ensured Kujur's qualification for the Commonwealth Games 2026 as well.

Both sprinters shared their experiences with PM Modi, discussing their friendship, training routines, and healthy competition on the track. The Prime Minister applauded their positive competitive spirit, expressing confidence in their potential to bring further honor to the nation. He stated, "The competition you've engaged in is to elevate the nation's prestige and to position the country favorably in the future. Your sportsmanship—competing, challenging each other, and supporting one another—is commendable. Congratulations and best wishes; I am confident you will bring glory to the country. Keep up the hard work and continue to excel."