Virat Kohli encourages kids towards healthy lifestyle

Mumbai [India], May 25 (ANI): Alarmed by the statistics published about the state of the country's children's health, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has appealed the kids to play more, and have more fun by joining Stepathlon Kids, which launches in November this year. Stepathlon Kids focuses ongetting children active, eating right and staying healthy and has been designed to be inclusive and fun for any and every child between the ages of 8 and 12. Ravi Krishnan, CEO and Co-Founder, Stepathlon, believes the partnership with Kohli will encourage and inspire children across the country. "It's not just for aspiring cricketers - we want to reach out to Ballerinas in Bangalore, Chess Players in Chennai, Artists in Agra, Gamers in Guwahati - every child in India deserves the right to be healthy. We want to build a fitter, healthier and happier India." "Virat Kohli is an inspirational partner. He is personally committed to a healthy lifestyle and now will lead India, not only on the field, but off it as well." Krishnan also pointed out, "We are in discussions with a number of brands, and partners that see the vision that we all have for Stepathlon Kids and want to be part of the solution to creating a happier, healthier and more productive India." India's health statistics are alarming - pollution, overcrowding, processed and fast food, multiple screens and cultural obstacles have combined to create concern of an epidemic. By 2025, India will be the diabetes 'capital' of the world. 10 million Indian kids are reported as obese every year. Recent reports in a leading magazine stated that 68% of Indian kids don't exercise regularly and that children watch six hours of 'screen time' each day which adversely affects cognitive development and brain function. The current state of the nation's health is a huge concern for Kohli. "It is very important to encourage children to adopt healthy eating habits, and improve theirhealth and fitness by indulging in more outdoor activities. This is exactly why we started Stepathlon Kids. I have personally and professionally benefited from making health changes in my life. Children are the future -the healthier and more balanced children are, the smarter and better prepared they are to build our nation. This is why we have to act today - why we have to "Do It Now!,"Kohli said.(ANI)