The Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre in Mumbai celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026 with a special programme focused on fitness, wellness, and women’s empowerment. Organised under the guidance of Dr. Nivedita Shreyans and supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the event highlighted the importance of encouraging women to lead active and healthy lives.
The celebration began at 9 am and brought together athletes, public figures, and guests from diverse professional backgrounds. The initiative also supported the national Fit India Movement, which promotes physical activity and healthy living across the country.
The programme featured a series of engaging demonstrations and awareness sessions designed to inspire participants and showcase women’s growing role in sports and fitness. Key highlights included a lively Mardani Games demonstration, a rejuvenating yoga session, a health and fitness awareness discussion, and a wrestling bout demonstration. These activities aimed to emphasise strength, discipline, and resilience among women and young athletes.
Several prominent personalities were honoured during the event for their contributions in their respective fields. The honourees included Dr. Smita Dolas Somane, actress Himani Shivpuri, Dr. Madhu Chopra, social entrepreneur Alina Alam, entrepreneur Priyanka Bajaj, athlete Snehal Pinto, actress Deepshikha Nagpal, and celebrity media expert and communications strategist Parul Chawla.
Parul Chawla was recognised for her work in media strategy, celebrity branding, and communications. Through her professional journey, she has contributed to shaping public narratives and supporting various social initiatives in the media and entertainment industry. Her recognition at the event reflected the increasing influence of women leaders in media and communications.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nivedita Shreyans spoke about the importance of creating more opportunities for women in sports and wellness. She emphasised that initiatives such as Fit India encourage women to adopt healthier lifestyles while building confidence, leadership skills, and community engagement.
In her remarks, Dr. Shreyans said that true fitness goes beyond physical strength. According to her, emotional resilience and mental balance are equally important aspects of well-being. She noted that when women develop inner confidence and strength, they not only transform their own lives but also inspire families and communities.
The presence of accomplished guests and athletes created an encouraging atmosphere for young participants and students. The celebration concluded with a strong message about empowerment, unity, and the importance of building a healthier and more inclusive sporting culture in India.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube


