Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of the ”Fit India Movement” through a video conference with fitness experts and sports influencers across the country. Interacting with PM Modi, Indian Cricket team captain Virat Kohli explained how the Yo-Yo test helped the cricketers in the country achieve high-level fitness strength. During the virtual interaction, PM Modi asked Kohli about the Yo-Yo test and whether he was able to pass it or got spared, the Skipper said that the Test is very important from fitness point of view. He further stated that the fitness level of Indian cricketers is still low as compared to other teams.

“This Test (Yo-Yo) was very important from fitness point of view. If we talk about global fitness level, our fitness level is still low compared to other teams and we want to take it up, which is a basic requirement,” the Skipper said.

Kohli, who is in the UAE for IPL 2020, also highlighted that he takes the first initiative to run for the test, noting that it is important for the improvement of overall fitness levels. The 31-year-old athlete stated that even he has to clear the test for selection in the Indian cricket team.

“I’m the one who goes to run first and this is the condition that if I fail, I am also not available for selection. It is important to set that culture and it will lead to an improvement in overall fitness levels,” he added.

Kohli also noted that for every crucial match, the overall level of fitness is very important to give the best results.

“Overall, the fitness level of the team is important. Our fast bowlers, who are the best in the world right now, are now able to give their full effort even on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days. We always had the skill, but in crucial moments, our performances used to dip. The opposition team used to win,” he said.

What is the Yo-Yo Test?

The Yo-Yo test is a crucial part of the Indian cricket team’s fitness routine. The gruelling routine is a variation of the Beep Test – a running aerobic fitness routine undertaken by Indian cricketers in the past. Under this test, two sets of cones are placed 20 meters apart from each other. As soon as the beep is sounded, an athlete has to reach the marker placed on the opposite side by the time the next beep is called. The athlete then has to turn around and get back to the starting point before the next beep. With the increase in the frequency of the beeps, runs have to be increased subsequently. The frequency of the beeps gradually increases for the subsequent runs.

Several sports personalities and influencers joined the virtual interaction with PM Modi, including female footballer from J&K Afshan Ashiq and Paralympic javelin gold medallist Devendra Jhajharia, along with runner and actor Milind Soman and nutritionist RujutaDiwekar.

Speaking to the participants, PM Modi expressed happiness over the improving lifestyles of the citizens in a way that healthy eating is becoming a part of the way of living.

“Becoming fit is not as difficult as most think. It just requires a little discipline. Families that play together, stay together,” he said.