India's prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (13) posted online a video of his doing a series of exercises to "refresh and rejuvenate" himself. Modi posted this photo less than a month after accepting Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli's fitness challenge.
Modi is an ardent yoga practitioner and the video shows him performing a number of asanas as well as breathing exercises.
Besides these,Modi is also seen walking on a track that's inspired by the five elements of nature. "Apart from Yoga, I walk on a track inspired by the Panchtatvas or 5 elements of nature - Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu, Aakash. This is extremely refreshing and rejuvenating," he wrote in a message accompanying the video.
Here are moments from my morning exercises. Apart from Yoga, I walk on a track inspired by the Panchtatvas or 5 elements of nature - Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu, Aakash. This is extremely refreshing and rejuvenating. I also practice
breathing exercises. #HumFitTohIndiaFit pic.twitter.com/km3345GuV2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2018
He also nominated Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy to take up the challenge. "I am delighted to nominate the following for the #FitnessChallenge: Karnataka’s CM Shri @hd_kumaraswamy. India’s pride and among the highest medal winners for India in the 2018 CWG, @manikabatra_TT. The entire fraternity of brave IPS officers, especially those above 40."
Responding to Modi's challenge, Kumaraswamy wrote on Twitter: "Dear @narendramodi ji
I am honoured& thankU very much for d concern about my health. I believe physical fitness is imptnt for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime.
Yet, I am more concerned about devlpment fitness of my state&seek ur support for it."
The prime minister was fulfilling his promise of showcasing his exercise regime. Last month, he was challenged by Kohli to showcase his fitness regime. Kohli had also challenged his actress wife Anushka Sharma and cricketer MS Dhoni.
The fitness challenge is part of the government's initiative to make people adopt a healthy lifestyle. Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore had initially challenged Kohli as part of #HumFitTohIndiaFit campaign, and since then a number of celebrities have posted photos and videos of them exercising.