Published 18:58 IST, August 29th 2019
Congress reveals: Aikido black-belt Rahul Gandhi also a shooting champ
On the eve of the launch of the Fit India movement, Congress revealed that ex-chief Rahul Gandhi has a black belt in Aikido and was a national shooting champion
Even as the Congress launched a Twitter campaign - 'Unfit govt, unfit economy' to attack the 'Fit India' movement which was launched on Thursday by PM Modi, the party simultaneously touted a lesser-known aspect of the party's former chief Rahul Gandhi to celebrate National Sports Day. On the eve of the launch of the Fit India movement, the Indian National Congress' social media handle took to reveal that ex-chief Rahul Gandhi has a black belt in the Japanese martial art form of Aikido and is also a national level shooting champion. The Prime Minister launched the nation-wide 'Fit India' movement on National Sports Day - 29 August, as announced on his Mann Ki Baat programme to spread awareness on fitness and staying healthy. Congress also taunted the RBI's recent surplus transfer of Rs. 1.76 Lakh Crores to the Centre and took a dig at the Economy even as the government recently announced a slew of measures aimed at tackling the slow growth.
Rahul Gandhi a national level shooting champion
Everyone has seen the politician side of Rahul Gandhi through the years, leading the Congress first as vice-president, then as party president after succeeding his mother, and now again as a senior functionary following the humiliating defeat in the 2019 elections. However, while pictures of Rahul Gandhi engaging in Aikido have already done the rounds online earlier, Congress' latest revelation may come as a new revelation to the people of India as they learn that Rahul Gandhi is a black belt holder in the Japenese martial art form, and also a certified national level shooting champion. INC took to their Instagram handles to post a few pictures of Rahul Gandhi practicing the martial art form and the certificate awarded to Rahul Gandhi from the National Rifle Association of India awarding him the fourth position for participating in the National Shooting Championship competition in the year 1988-89. Here are the pictures revealed by the Congress:
PM Modi launches Fit India movement
PM Modi launched the 'Fit India Movement' on Thursday in New Delhi. Addressing the gathering at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi, he said that health consciousness is the key to good health. He urged all to make it a mass movement similar to that of Swacch Bharat Mission. At a colourful ceremony, which included a presentation of India's indigenous martial art forms, dances and sports, the Prime Minister said that technology has contributed to a sedentary lifestyle but fitness has been an integral part of India's culture. He added that the initiative is the need of the hour and will take the country towards a healthier future.
Updated 19:34 IST, August 29th 2019