Include yoga in your life: PM

New Delhi, Mar 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored the importance of fitness in daily life and praised initiatives like the Fit India Carnival and International Yoga Day, stating that they have not only inspired Indians but also the world.

Addressing the 120th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi lauded the participants of the Khelo India Para Games, emphasising their dedication and passion.

"We will now talk about adding wings to your zeal… About displaying passion despite challenges. In the Khelo India Para Games that concluded a few days ago, the players once again surprised everyone with their dedication and talent. This time, more players participated in these games than earlier. This shows how popular Para Sports is becoming. I congratulate all the players participating in the Khelo India Para Games for their sterling efforts," he said.

He extended best wishes to Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh for securing the first, second, and third positions, respectively, and highlighted that differently-abled players set 18 national records, 12 of which were achieved by women athletes.

PM Modi read out a letter from Arm wrestler Joby Mathew, who won a gold medal in this year's Khelo India Para Games. Mathew wrote, "Winning a medal is very special, but the struggle is not limited to just standing on the podium. We fight a battle every day. Life tests us in many ways… very few people understand our struggle. Despite this, we move forward with courage. We work towards fulfilling our dreams. We believe that we are no less than anyone else."

Acknowledging Mathew's resilience, PM Modi responded, "Great! Joby Mathew, you have written an amazing, wonderful letter. Thank you for this letter. I want to tell Joby Mathew and all our differently-abled friends that your efforts are a great inspiration for us."

He also praised the Fit India Carnival, organised in Delhi for the first time, as an "innovative idea."

"About 25,000 people from different fields participated in it. All of them had the same goal - to stay fit and spread awareness about fitness. People involved in this event got information related to their health as well as nutrition," he added.