New Delhi, India – March 18, 2025 – In a landmark initiative to foster a culture of fitness and holistic well-being across the nation, the FIT INDIA department of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) orchestrated its inaugural FIT INDIA CARNIVAL at the iconic Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The vibrant three-day event, held from March 16th to March 18th, 2025, witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of thousands of citizens eager to embrace a healthier lifestyle and participate in a variety of engaging activities.
FIT INDIA CARNIVAL 2025
The grand opening of the FIT INDIA CARNIVAL was marked by the esteemed presence of Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who inaugurated the event with a resounding call to action for every Indian to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. The carnival served as a dynamic platform to showcase the diverse facets of fitness, from traditional martial arts to modern fitness challenges, all aimed at inspiring people of all ages to adopt a more active lifestyle.
A significant highlight of the FIT INDIA CARNIVAL was the captivating Rope Skipping demonstrations organized by the Indian Rope Skipping Federation (IRSF). Over the course of the three-day event, the IRSF showcased the agility, skill, and sheer athleticism inherent in the sport of Rope Skipping, mesmerizing the thousands of visitors with their impressive routines and gravity-defying maneuvers. The IRSF booth at the venue became a hub of activity, with hundreds of curious individuals flocking to learn more about this dynamic and accessible sport. IRSF CEO Tarun Tiwari, Director Dr. Shikha Gupta, and Technical Committee member Sachin Sharma worked tirelessly to ensure the inclusion of Rope Skipping in this momentous event, with Dr. Shikha Gupta playing a pivotal role in securing this unprecedented opportunity for the sport.
Adding to the prestige of the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Ms. Raksha Khadse, graced the IRSF booth with her presence. Ms. Khadse took a keen interest in the demonstrations, expressing her appreciation for the exceptional skills displayed by the IRSF skippers. Her visit underscored the government’s commitment to promoting a wide range of sports and fitness activities across the country.
The FIT INDIA CARNIVAL was not just a showcase of physical prowess but also a celebration of the spirit of fitness. The event aimed to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices among citizens from all walks of life. The atmosphere at JLN Stadium was electric, filled with energy and enthusiasm as participants engaged in various fitness challenges and explored the different avenues to a healthier life.
The carnival also witnessed the participation of several prominent personalities who lent their star power to the grand celebration. Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, a Fit India Icon, graced the event, inspiring the audience with his message on the importance of fitness. Wrestling champion Sangram Singh, renowned wellness expert Mickey Mehta, former WWE wrestler Shanky Singh, and Guinness World Record holder Rohtash Chaudhary also joined the festivities, adding to the excitement and motivating the attendees.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya articulated his vision for the FIT INDIA initiative, emphasizing the importance of promoting sports as an integral part of our culture and making fitness a nationwide movement. He drew a parallel to the successful “Sundays on Cycle” initiative, highlighting the government’s commitment to creating accessible and engaging platforms for citizens to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, the minister expressed his ambition to expand the FIT INDIA CARNIVAL to other cities and towns across India, ensuring that the message of fitness reaches every corner of the nation.
Ayushmann Khurrana, during his address, echoed the sentiment, stating, “A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. I thank PM Modi and Dr. Mandaviya for their vision in making India fitter.” His words resonated with the audience, reinforcing the collective aspiration for a healthier and more active India.
This inaugural FIT INDIA CARNIVAL marked a significant moment for the sport of Rope Skipping in India. For the first time in the last 25 years, the Indian Rope Skipping Federation (IRSF) was provided with such a prominent and expansive platform to showcase the sport to a wide audience. This recognition is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the IRSF in promoting and developing Rope Skipping across the country.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the FIT INDIA team expressed their sincere appreciation for the captivating Rope Skipping demonstrations presented by the IRSF. Impressed by the skill and enthusiasm of the skippers, the SAI and FIT INDIA team offered their collaboration for upcoming events, signaling a promising future for the sport within the broader fitness movement.
The FIT INDIA movement recognizes Rope Skipping as an ideal activity to promote widespread fitness. Its inherent advantages make it highly accessible to all segments of society. Rope Skipping requires no elaborate infrastructure or costly equipment, making it a truly inclusive activity. It can be practiced virtually anywhere – at home, in the office, along roadsides, in schools, on rooftops, or even balconies. Furthermore, its cost-effectiveness ensures that even individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can easily stay fit through this engaging and beneficial exercise.
The resounding success of the first-ever FIT INDIA CARNIVAL in New Delhi has set a positive precedent for future editions. The event successfully brought together fitness enthusiasts, sports professionals, and the general public, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere dedicated to the pursuit of a healthier and fitter India. The prominent showcasing of Rope Skipping by the IRSF further highlighted the diverse and engaging options available for individuals to embrace an active lifestyle, paving the way for a healthier and more energetic nation.