Mizoram Shows How to Stay Fit During Lockdown with "FitMizoram" Campaign

BY: ANUMITA DAS

Pastors, Gospel Teachers, Sports personalities, models and leaders in Mizoram are showing how to utilize Lockdown period as the right time for fitness

Mizoram is gradually transforming itself into a hub of positive vibes. With discipline and social distancing intact among the Mizos, the State has been successfully able to set an example in the current state of the coronavirus pandemic. The phase of lockdown has further instilled a zeal among the Mizoram citizens to utilize the time with all things positive, the latest being the "FitMizoram" program.

Months before the nationwide Fit India movement was launched in 2019, FitMizoram was flagged off by Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga with a motive to make the State a fitter and better place to live in. With the lockdown around and with the gyms and fitness centres shuttered, Mizoram now has begun a unique yet universal approach to reach out to all homes - motivational fitness drives, with a clear message to make fitness fit into the daily routine of the Mizos.

"Mizoram is doing its fitness programs at various levels - village level, community and State levels. With the lockdown around, the Sports and Youth Services Department consulted with the Medical Experts and subsequently decided to launch a Home Fitness Program. Everyone, be it ill or healthy, is locked indoors. Some have Diabetes, some have high blood pressure while some are 100 % fit. So, considering all these, the Government of Mizoram started this campaign to press upon all the citizens to exercise according to their health," said Mizoram Sports Minister, Robert Romawia Royte.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: Assam's 33 Districts Prepare to Deal with Pandemic amid Soaring Number of Cases

Governor of Mizoram, Sreedharan Pillai has also implemented the program at Raj Bhavan. He has also appealed the people of Mizoram to join the fitness movement, added Royte.

"I have also been working out at home and we have found it very effective. We contacted the Mizoram sportspersons as a department and they have also responded in positive. They are also doing their exercises at their respective residences. After all, we want everyone, especially our sportspersons to be fit. We want them to be active," said Royte sharing the message of the FitMizoram program.

[caption id="attachment_56500" align="alignnone" width="660"] Mizoram Governor Sreedharan Pillai and Sports Minister Robert Royte[/caption]

Speaking about his own fitness regime, the Sports Minister said, "I used to play football and badminton, along with a few exercises regularly. However, with the lockdown in effect, me and my wife are now exercising at home. I have extended my timing from 40 to 60 minutes now. Physical activities are very important."

ALSO READ: Northeast States Seal Border with Assam due to Rising COVID-19 Cases

Mizoram's Fit program has received a good response so far according to the Sports Minister. He said, "Even the Pastors, Gospel Teachers and all others have embraced it within just a few days of the launch of the program. We don't demand the same from the bed-ridden but a little bit of fitness will help our immune system."

Chief Minister Zoramthanga said that he undertakes exercise daily at least half an hour even during lockdown to keep himself fit.

Indian Hockey Star, Lalremsiami, Weight Lifter and Youth Olympics Champion, Jeremy Lalrinnunga, Professional Boxers Lalrinsanga Tlau, and NT Biakkima, who are presently in South Korea, Indian Football Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, Defender Jerry Rinzuala, Aizawl FC Captain Alfred Jaryan and many others have joined the FitMizoram campaign.

Model Emily Chenkual has also appealed the youth to go for home exercise. A very famous Gospel Speaker Frederick Lalrindika confessed that he has put on extra weight because of Lockdown, and hence joined the FitMizoram program at home.

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.