Centenarian sprinter Man Kaur on Thursday hailed the central government's 'Fit India Movement', saying a country can progress only if its citizens are healthy.
The 103-year old sprinter and her 81-year-old son Gurdev were among the veteran athletes, who attended the function in New Delhi on Thursday morning.
Emphasising that a nation's progress depends on good health of its citizens, Kaursaid: "If citizens are healthy, a country can progress more."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a nationwide 'Fit India Movement', which he believes will take the country towards a healthier future.
When the Prime Minister was shaking hands with the invitees, he stopped by and had a brief chat with Man Kaur and her son.
"I gave blessings to him and told him that he is doing a good work. India is a nation of young people and message about health and wellness from the Prime Minister himself should be appreciated. We all must make a habit to exercise daily, even if that may be for just a few minutes," Kaur said.
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She said campaigns like 'Fit India' will inspire youth and other citizens in general to be more conscious towards their diet and exercise.
Gurdev said the Prime Minister cited examples of how sedentary lifestyle habits can be detrimental for health and how ailments like diabetes were now becoming more common.
"I told the Prime Minister that even diabetics can keep their ailment under check by making some changes in their lifestyle and daily routine," said Gurdev.
Gurdev said Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, who was also present at the function, was thrilled to meet Man Kaur.
'Fit India' campaign is aimed at encouraging people to include physical activity and sports in their everyday lives.
Kaur, who took to running at the ripe age of 93, has always believed that "age is no bar to realise one's dreams".
Born on March 1, 1916, Kaur won her first medal in 2007 at the Chandigarh Masters Athletics meet, in which she ran "for the heck of it" after seeing Gurdev, eldest of her three children, take part in a race in Patiala.
She shot to fame after winning the 100 metre sprint at the World Masters Games in Auckland in 2017 and holds several world records.
She recently won four golds in track and field events at the World Masters Athletic Championship in Poland.
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