Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the nation-wide “Fit India Movement”  at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi at 10 am. He appealed to every citizen of the country  to remain healthy and fit. 

After the various grand presentations of India's different  martial art forms, dances and sports, PM Modi paid tribute to Dhyan Chand. He said, "On this day, a great sportsperson was born, Major Dhyan Chand. He amazed the world with his fitness, stamina, and hockey stick."

At the event, PM Modi said technology contributed to a sedentary lifestyle.

 "Fitness has always been an integral part of our culture. But, there is indifference towards fitness issues now. A few decades back, a normal person would walk 8-10km in a day, do cycling or run," Modi said. 

"But, with technology, physical activity has reduced. We walk less now and the same technology tells us that we are not walking enough," he added.

The launch was also attended by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and National Sports Awards 2019 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.