New Delhi News, 20 Nov 2019 : Taking inspiration from the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India Movement, the members of SIRI Fort have initiated a 4 day Sports Carnival from 20th to 24th November 2019 at Siri Fort Sports Complex, New Delhi. With guidance and motivation from Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Member of Parliament, the carnival was declared open on 20th November 2019 by Shri. Anil Bailjal, Lt. Governor of Delhi. The intent of the Sports Carnival is to encourage people to inculcate a healthy lifestyle while at the same time enjoy their individual fitness routines.
Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi explains the objective behind the sports carnival, “ Socialising used to be done over different things, under the FIT India movement started by honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, we now hope that socializing happens over sports, people bond as teams and come together. Our objective is a Fit and Healthy India and with this in mind, we have organized 10 sports activities and 1800 people participating in the sports Carnival.”
The Chief Guests at the event were Mary Kom, Padma Shree and Padma Bhushan Olympic Boxer, Lt. Gen Asit Mistry, GOC H.Q., Radhey Shyam Julaniya, IAS, Sports Secretary of India, and Tarun Kapoor, IAS, Vice Chairman DDA.
Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi is known to be an ardent supporter of such activities and always come forward to show support and encourage the wellness and fitness of not just the youth but the public in general. Her support, experience, and guidance have propelled the carnival in the right direction. Mary Kom, herself is an inspiration to all, she came back to sports and won the Olympics after becoming a mother of two, and that’s a motivation for all women to actively participate and make sports a part of their lives. Mary expressed, “ For sports individuals to train and practice is part of our schedule, but to see all the people participating in this sports carnival, makes me believe that FIT India movement is definitely working and the growing awareness is a success. To see so many people here today makes me believe India is ready to become successful and fit. I hope my presence here is a motivation for everyone to do better and get fitter.”
Sports is an integral part of every child’s life, however as we grow up, life takes over and other things take priority. Such a sports carnival brings back the focus to the basic and helps us realize the importance and relevance of physical and mental fitness. Sports not just makes us physically fit but allows us to be a team player and also learn to enjoy the victory and turn failure around. These are all attributes that make a strong healthy adult.
Lt. Gen Asit Mistry, expresses his pleasure being part of the sports carnival, “In the armed forces, fitness is a way of life, we give physical and mental fitness utmost importance. Being part of this event makes me realize and also makes me extremely happy to see that India is not just being hit by the fitness wave, but they are also starting to enjoy it. That’s the first step towards a healthy and fit India.”
On the first day of the Sports Carnival, registered teams will participate in Tennis, Badminton, Basketball, and Soccer matches.
Deepak Dhawan president of SIRI Fort Fit India Movement says, “ We are glad we are getting so much support and such positive response from all quarters, participants, volunteers, committee members. I can already sense this is going to a great event. Sports has always been close to every Indian’s heart, but now they are actively participating and not just viewing.”
There are a series of sports activities the registered members will participate in Tennis, Badminton, Basketball, Soccer, Cricket, Golf, Marathon/Walkathon, Super Senior Walkathon, and Cyclothon. Gala Closing and Prize Distribution will be on the 24th of November, 2019.
