PrimeMinister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the Fit India Movement at aprogramme in New Delhi. The Prime Minister said that fit mind in a fit body isvery important.

A colourfulprogramme in connection with the launch of the movement was organised, wherevarious Indian dance forms including Assam's Bihu, indigenous martialarts and sports were presented.

Duringhis speech, the Prime Minister paid his tribute to greatest hockey player ofIndia, Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary, which is celebrated as NationalSports Day. PM Modi said, "On this day, a great sportsperson was born, MajorDhyan Chand. He amazed the world with his fitness, stamina, and hockey stick."

Heasked everyone to take up sports and said, "Sports has direct connection withfitness. Fitness is necessary for a healthy life." Urging people to participatein the movement, the Prime Minister said that the Fit India Movement is not agovernment mission, rather government will only act as a catalyst.

PMModi also congratulated the winners of the national sports awards and laudedIndia's sporting achievements. Reportedly, the entire programme has been conceptualisedby the Prime Minister himself.