On Saturday, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment confirmed that Sunil Shetty, a Bollywood Superstar, and Fitness enthusiast, accepted the invitation from the Ministry to be designated “Ambassador of Wellness” in the Maldives.
According to the statement released by the Youth Ministry, Shetty and his team will collaborate with fitness industry professionals in the country under the ‘ Mission Fit Maldives ‘ campaign to make Maldives one of the healthiest nations in the world.
Shetty is currently partnering with Hindustan Times Media Limited to lead ‘ Mission Fit India ‘ , one of India’s largest fitness movements.
Speaking of his collaboration with the Maldives, Shetty said he found it a privilege and honor to be invited by the Maldives on the country’s journey to a fitter nation.
“We have come together for the common intention of busting all myths about fitness and making every household aware and interested in the simplicity of the ways of staying healthy. I am delighted to be a part of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s vision to make the Maldives a fitter nation and I look forward to working with Minister Ahmed Mahloof and his team on this mission.”
Healthy citizens make strong countries. Maldives is amongst the most beautiful places, it’s people the nicest, and I soooo look forward to working with H.E President @ibusolih Minister @AhmedMahloof & their teams on #MissionFitMaldives #HashiheyoDhulhaheyo pic.twitter.com/9VRBZ2bq7e
— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) October 12, 2019
This initiative, according to the Youth Ministry, is aimed at changing the perception that leading a healthy lifestyle is a complicated, time-consuming mission.
Commenting on this project, Ahmed Mahloof, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, said encouraging fitness and a healthy lifestyle is one of this administration’s most essential commitments.
“The aim of this movement is to simplify fitness for every citizen of this country. We are grateful to Shetty for readily agreeing to support our vision and look forward to welcoming him to the Maldives very soon.”
Suniel Shetty is on a Mission, It's called Mission Fit India#MissionFitIndia 🇮🇳#MissionFitMaldives 🇲🇻https://t.co/qQux1Rp5Hk
— Ahmed Mahloof (@AhmedMahloof) October 13, 2019
He went on to say that “Shetty’s participation will be a huge boost to make Mission Fit Maldives a success.”
When the announcement was made on Saturday, it was faced with mixed reactions from the public. Some were strongly vocal whilst voicing their concerns regarding the matter. They raised questions over why a qualified Maldivian was not appointed as a fitness ambassador instead.
Minister Mahloof addressed the criticism to ensure that the Ambassadorship was an honorary post and said the experience of Shetty would benefit the venture.
Mr. Suniel Shetty has accepted the Ambassadorship as a Honorary post. As mentioned in the statement he will be working with the Maldivian fitness professionals. He’s leading the #MissionFitIndia movement which has reached over 200M people. Definitely his experience will help us. pic.twitter.com/VwhENURc5V
— Ahmed Mahloof (@AhmedMahloof) October 12, 2019
He also vowed to coordinate the initiative with optimum local participation.
