
Fitness for all: PM Narendra Modi's vision of a fitter Rajasthan takes shape, says Col Rajyavardhan Rathore after inaugurating 23 open gymnasiums in Jaipur
2
3
Jaipur: In a bold step towards building a healthier and more active community, cabinet minister for youth and sports, Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, has launched a unique initiative in his assembly constituency of Jhotwara and in Jaipur — open gymnasiums at 23 different locations.
Designed for "Fitness for All", these open-air gyms are already becoming community hotspots for young athletes, working professionals, and senior citizens.
A decorated Olympian and former Army officer, Col Rajyavardhan knows first-hand the power of physical fitness. But his vision goes beyond personal discipline. "Fitness isn't just about building muscle; it's about building a motivated, confident society.
And that begins at the grassroots," he says.
The open gyms are equipped with basic workout stations — from pull-up bars and ellipticals to leg presses and rowing machines — all free and accessible 24/7. Strategically located in parks and community grounds, these gyms are especially targeted at youth and children who may not otherwise afford private fitness facilities.
"Every child has the right to dream big, and physical fitness is the first step towards discipline and excellence — be it in sports or life," says Col Rajyavardhan.
He also believes these gyms will help channel the energies of the youth into constructive activities and serve as an early steppingstone for those aspiring to join professional sports or the armed forces.
The initiative has struck a chord. From school kids practicing chin-ups to elderly citizens doing light cardio together in the morning, the spirit of fitness is catching on.
As Col Rajyavardhan sums it up, "A fit Rajasthan is a strong Rajasthan. This is just the beginning."
With this grassroots initiative, Jhotwara isn't just lifting weights - it's lifting community spirit.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


NDTV
11 hours ago
- NDTV
26th Kargil Vijay Diwas Observed With Fervour In Ladakh's Drass
As the country commemorates the supreme sacrifice of its martyrs on the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, a host of functions are underway in Drass town of Ladakh on Saturday. J&K LG, Manoj Sinha said, while paying tributes to the Kargil conflict martyrs, "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow to our martyrs and salute their bravery, courage and sacrifice. Our heroes fought in the most inhospitable terrain in the world and conquered the enemy. The gallantry, valour and supreme sacrifice of our soldiers will inspire the generations to come." Army's Udhampur headquartered Northern Command remembered its brave hearts by posting on X, "As India commemorates the 26th #KargilVijayDiwas, the #NorthernCommand paid tribute to the unwavering bravery of our soldiers through a series of poignant events." The Northern Command added that from cycling expeditions to marathons, cricket tournaments to Veer Gatha initiatives and adventurous treks to battle peaks. Every gesture honours the indomitable spirit of our armed forces. "Special ceremonies were held to felicitate the Next of Kin of Kargil heroes killed in action, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice. These events serve as a testament to the courage, resilience, and patriotism that define our nation's heroes," it said. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, MoS Defence, Sanjay Seth and the Army Chief General, Upendra Dwivedi, attended Kargil Vijay Diwas' celebrations at Drass on Saturday. Three projects will be launched today by the army in the Kargil district, including a portal where citizens can pay 'e-shradhanjali' to martyrs. Both union ministers reached Kargil town on Friday and attended cultural and other functions. On this day in 1999, the army announced the successful culmination of 'Operation Vijay', declaring victory after a nearly three-month-long battle. The Union Sports Minister led a 'padyatra' featuring over 1,000 youth volunteers, veterans, armed forces personnel, families of fallen soldiers, and civil society members in Drass today. The 1.5 kilometre long Padyatra commenced at 7:00 am from the grounds of Himabass Public High School, Drass and concluded at the grounds of Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet. War veterans, families of war heroes and many dignitaries are attending today's celebrations in Drass town. Indus Viewpoint is the third project being inaugurated today. This will allow visitors to go up to the LoC in the Batalik sector. The project will give an idea to the visitors about the conditions in which soldiers serve, the difficulties and constant dangers they face on a day-to-day basis to ensure that the nation remains safe. Located 10,000 feet above sea level, Batalik was the focal point of the Kargil war due to its strategic location between Kargil, Leh and Baltistan. The small village in the Indus River valley has now become a major tourist attraction.


Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Rugby-England women bank on experience for home World Cup bid
By Mitch Phillips Rugby-England women bank on experience for home World Cup bid LONDON, - England coach John Mitchell has named a vastly experienced squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil starting next month as the hot favourites aim to underline their dominance of the sport with the prize that so agonisingly eluded them in 2022. The squad of 32 boasts a combined 1,374 international caps, with 24 players who have previously competed at a World Cup. Zoe Aldcroft will captain her country in her third World Cup, supported by 2014 winner Marlie Packer and Olympian Megan Jones as vice captains. Emily Scarratt, with 118 caps to her name, is set to compete in her fifth tournament with Alex Matthews and Packer in line for their fourth. Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Maddie Feaunati, Lilli Ives Campion, Jade Shekells and Emma Sing are all World Cup debutants. Scrumhalf Natasha Hunt was included, three years after her shock omission from the 2022 squad. England are odds-on favourites for the competition on the back of an extraordinary run of 50 wins in 51 games with one defeat. Unfortunately for them that "one" was the incredible 2022 World Cup final when New Zealand snatched a last-minute England lineout - having not contested one all match - as England sought a match-winning try having eschewed a kick at goal that would have tied the scores. That was the sixth time they have lost in the final - five to New Zealand - with their two wins coming in 1994 and 2014. Their last defeat in any match before the 2022 final was also to New Zealand in 2019. After a warm-up match against Spain in Leicester on August 2, England get the tournament underway against the United States under the lights in Sunderland on Friday, . The September 27 final at Twickenham has long been an 82,000 sellout. England squad for Women's Rugby World Cup Forwards Zoe Aldcroft ** Lark Atkin-Davies * Sarah Bern ** Hannah Botterman * Abi Burton May Campbell Mackenzie Carson Kelsey Clifford Amy Cokayne ** Maddie Feaunati Rosie Galligan * Lilli Ives Campion Sadia Kabeya * Alex Matthews *** Maud Muir * Marlie Packer *** Morwenna Talling * Abbie Ward ** Backs Holly Aitchison * Jess Breach * Abby Dow * Zoe Harrison ** Tatyana Heard * Natasha Hunt ** Megan Jones * Ellie Kildunne * Claudia Moloney-MacDonald * Lucy Packer * Helena Rowland * Emily Scarratt **** Jade Shekells Emma Sing *denotes number of Women's Rugby World Cup tournaments played This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.


Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Paralympic legend Murlikant Petkar meets Army para-athletes
India's first Paralympic Gold Medalist and Army veteran Murlikant Rajaram Petkar on Wednesday visited the Army Paralympic Node (APN) at Bombay Engineer Group and Centre in Pune. During his visit, he interacted with para-athletes of the Indian Army, as well as patients undergoing rehabilitation at the Artificial Limb Centre, Pune and the Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Military Hospital, Khadki. Starting his sporting career as a boxer in the Indian army before sustaining bullet injuries during 1965 war, Petkar went on to win gold in Swimming in 1972 paralympics. 'His story of unmatched resilience and fortitude served as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all present. His visit was a powerful tribute to the Indian Army's enduring legacy of nurturing champions – both on the battlefield and in the sporting arena.' said a press statement from the Army. Petkar's journey is the inspiration behind Kartik Aaryan starrer Kabir Khan film, Chandu Champion. Born on November 1, 1944 at Peth Islampur area of Maharashtra's Sangli, Petkar joined the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) in 1962 as a Craftsman. Petkar's sports journey began when he represented the Indian Army in Boxing at Tokyo. It was during the 1965 India Pakistan war, Petkar sustained nine bullet injuries in the Sialkot sector resulting in a permanent disability. Refusing to be held back, he transitioned to Para sports and won the gold in the 50-metre freestyle swimming event in the 1972 Summer Paralympics held at Heidelberg in Germany. 'One bullet still remains lodged in my spine as a reminder. I spent 16 months in various hospitals fighting a battle for my recovery. The doctors suggested I take up swimming to help my recovery. It soon became my passion.' Petkar had said during an interaction with the Indian Express earlier. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018. Petkar's visit on Wednesday marked a special moment as he interacted with Subedar Hokato Sema, Bronze Medalist in Sitting Shot Put at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and Subedar Soman Rana, Vishisht Seva Medal, a two-time Paralympian from Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Petkar was felicitated by Maj Gen Anurag Vij, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area, for his remarkable contributions to the nation – both in uniform and beyond. 'The Indian Army has long been a cradle for world-class athletes, supported by cutting-edge training establishments and a robust ecosystem that blends physical excellence with indomitable spirit. This event reinforced the Indian Army's commitment to training and empowering its wounded warriors to achieve excellence in sports and stood as a testament to its focus on rehabilitation through sports.' the release stated.