Mumbai, November 4, 2024: Pinkathon, India’s biggest women’s fitness initiative promoting health, breast cancer awareness, and women’s wellness, joined forces with JBG Invincible Women to mark Diwali with a unique event where girls from Maitrayana performed Suryanamaskar in traditional Nauvari sarees. Held across Maitrayana’s centers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, this celebration was a tribute to inclusivity, promoting the idea that fitness transcends attire and can be embraced in any form—whether it’s a saree, salwar kameez, or hijab.
The event, focused on breaking conventions surrounding fitness wear, saw women and girls reveling in the grace of traditional attire while engaging in a healthy practice. In Mumbai, yoga practitioner & founder of Invincible Women, Ankita Konwar led the Suryanamaskar session, inspiring participants by performing alongside them in a Nauvari saree.
Pinkathon’s creator, supermodel and fitness icon Milind Soman, has long advocated for changing perceptions around women’s fitness. Commenting on this event, Soman said, “At JBG Invincible Women’s Run with Pinkathon, we believe that fitness is for everyone, and clothing should never be a barrier. We want women to embrace fitness in whatever attire they feel comfortable—whether it’s a saree, salwar kameez, or even a hijab. Fitness is about inner strength and consistency, not specific clothing. Our goal is to make fitness an inclusive space where women can prioritize their health, regardless of attire.”
Ankita Konwar, founder of Invincible Women, added, “Today’s Suryanamaskar in the traditional Nauvari saree was a powerful reminder that strength and tradition go hand in hand. At Invincible Women, we believe that fitness is a celebration of who we are, no matter what we wear. This event with the girls of Maitrayana showcased that our roots are our strength, and attire is never a barrier to wellness. Together, we honored tradition while embracing health, inspiring women everywhere to pursue fitness with confidence and pride.”
This initiative aligns with Pinkathon’s broader vision of inclusivity, empowering women to take ownership of their fitness journey and celebrate their cultural identity. The collaboration with Maitrayana underscores this shared purpose, as both organizations work towards creating an environment where women can thrive.
Pinkathon – India’s Biggest Women’s Run
India’s biggest women’s run to encourage and promote fitness & health among women and create awareness for Breast Cancer and other issues relating to women’s health. The focus of India’s biggest women’s only running event is to encourage an active lifestyle and overall fitness amongst women while creating the much-needed awareness about breast cancer and encourage thousands of new or first-timer women to take up running.
Invincible Women:
Invincible Women an ultramarathon and health awareness event for women founded by Ankita Konwar to promote awareness of healthy lifestyles for women. Designed to encourage and inspire all women to address the issues that might be visible or invisible barriers to prioritizing their health.
Maitrayana Charity Foundation
Maitrayana Charity Foundation is a Section 8 Not-for-Profit organization dedicated to girls’ and women’s rights. It harnesses the power of sport, particularly netball, to create ecosystems that empower girls and young women to exercise their rights and reach their potential. Through its programs, Maitrayana tackles gender inequality by providing essential knowledge, skills, and confidence, enabling participants to make informed decisions and influence change.
Its flagship initiative, the Young People’s Initiative (YPI), is a sport-for-development program designed to empower adolescent girls (10-18) and young women (19-25) through sports and life skills training. By offering safe spaces and leadership-building opportunities, YPI fosters economic empowerment and personal growth. The program has impacted over 16,500 participants and operates in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.