Swimmer Maana Patel interacts with students under 'Meet the Champions' initiative

India’s star Olympian swimmer Maana Patel visited Dr. K.B. Hedgewar High School in Bambolim, Goa on Saturday (March 12), under the 'Meet the Champions' initiative.

Patel participated in the initiative envisioned by the honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost and inculcate the importance of a balanced diet (Santulit Aahar), fitness and sports among students across the country.

During the visit, Maana interacted with students from 75 schools. She spoke about the importance of Santulit Aahaar (balanced diet) and how it contributes to every individual’s lifestyle. Maana Patel said:

“I am really overwhelmed with the response that I got here in Goa and it was a fun interactive programme where I think could influence and educate the kids a little towards leading a healthy lifestyle and food habits."

The Meet the Champions initiative is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Education. This outreach program aims to connect India’s ace athletes with school children.

So far, over nine Olympians and Paralympians have met students from over 600 schools. Over the past few months, these athletes shared their life experiences, lessons and tips on maintaining a good diet.

Maana Patel conducted a quiz and spoke about the initiative

Aiming to reach out to the younger generation of the country and encourage them to choose a healthy lifestyle with and develop healthy food habits, Patel said:

“Last year when we met our Honb'le Prime Minister after the Olympic Games, he suggested we educate and motivate the kids across the country on 'Santulit Aahar' so that they are shaped with healthy food habits and fitness."

"And I think it's my national duty to provide these kids whatever information I possess so that they can take up a healthy lifestyle and can be efficient in their education, sports and any fitness activities which they pursue."

After being asked tested with questions related to nutrition, sports and food, a student who won a Fit India jersey in the quiz session said:

“I really felt nice when I got a jersey and this is the first time I got a chance to meet an Olympian and interact with her. It's like a dream come true for me."