National Athletes inspire 15,000 Delhiites to Walk for Health with Max Bupa

Leading Bollywood stars and fitness icons Kangana Ranaut & Saif Ali Khan flagged off the 5th edition of Max Bupa Walk for Health event in the city Delhi witnessed the glimpse of national athletes as they competed in Max Bupa National race walking championship that culminated at the event

Delhi, February 19, 2017: After a great kick-start in Mumbai last Sunday, Max Bupa Health Insurance today flagged off the second leg of its flagship event, Max Bupa Walk for Health, in the capital. The one of its kind walkathon in the country, received an overwhelming response from thousands of families who took a step towards a healthier tomorrow. The participants also witnessed national athletes for the 10 km race walk at the Max Bupa National Race Walking Championship that culminated at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium today.

Amidst thousands of Delhiites, health icons and leading Bollywood stars of the upcoming movie Rangoon, Kangana Ranaut & Saif Ali Khan flagged off the 5th edition of Max Bupa Walk for Health event in the city.

Walk for Health is a reflection of Max Bupa's commitment to help India put its ‘Health First’. What made the fifth edition of the Walk for Health initiative even more noteworthy is the endorsement from Athletic Federation of India, the apex body of athletics in India. As a part of the association, Max Bupa hosted the ‘National Race Walking Championships’ on February 18 and 19 in the capital.

Ashish Mehrotra, MD & CEO, Max Bupa said, “This year, Max Bupa Walk for Health is being organised in the three largest cities in India, namely, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. These cities are especially plagued by several lifestyle-triggered illnesses. Our annual Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey 2017 reflects that 98% people feel walking helps improve their physical health, however more than 50% still don't walk enough. Our initiative aims to encourage people to walk towards a healthier, more successful life. I’m delighted to share that Mumbai and Delhi together received an overwhelming participation of close to 30, 000 families, who took a step towards a healthier tomorrow.”

“Moreover, Max Bupa’s association with AFI brought the ‘National Race Walking Championships’ for the first time, to the capital. The intent behind it was to help walking gain recognition as a sport and bring our national race walking athletes, to the limelight” added Ashish.

Saif Ali Khan said, “I am glad to be a part of Max Bupa Walk for Health initiative which has been inspiring India to walk for 5 years now. Their decision to host the National Race Walking Championship will help promote the sports and fitness culture in the country. While it’s great to see our nation's love for the game of Cricket, it’s about time that we encourage other sports. In my view, Max Bupa's efforts in making walking gain recognition as a mainstream sport is commendable. I have immense respect and regard for all the athletes present here today to encourage the nation to get walking'

Kangana Ranaut said, “Dedicating time to walking and health shouldn't be an option. Walking is a great way to achieve holistic health and everyone from 6 to 60 years must enforce the '30 minute daily walk'

rule into their lives. 10, 000 steps daily can do wonders to our health. We must take 'walk breaks' at home or office consciously. Max Bupa Walk for Health is a wakeup call for Indians, especially people in metros, to prioritise their health and make walking a way of life. It feels ecstatic to be here and see so many people take a step towards good health.”

Health enthusiasts, Delhi’s famous walking communities and people from all walks of life turned up in huge numbers and joined the initiative and made it a huge success. Their enthusiasm immensely poured out while they took part in the Zumba and fitness workout sessions. Thousands of school children got a chance to meet their favourite Nickelodeon Toons-Motu Patlu and Ninja Hattori. A host of popular brands like Nickelodeon, GoQii, Barista, Fitness First and Bookmyshow among others associated with Max Bupa for the initiative. Ashish Mehrotra, along with Adille J Sumariwalla, President, Athletics Federation of India also felicitated the winners of the 50km, 20km and 10 Km race walk categories.