On July 5th, 2024, at the solemn Drass War Memorial, State Bank of India’s Deputy Managing Director, Shri Binod Kumar Mishra, inaugurated the third phase of the SBI Kargil Tiger Hill Challenge. This initiative, marking the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War, pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of our armed forces.
The SBI Kargil Tiger Hill Challenge kicked off on May 3rd, 2024, and will culminate on July 26th, Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is a unique 85-day virtual fitness event, drawing participation from more than 21,000 enthusiastic Indians across the country. Organized in collaboration with Fitistan – Ek Fit Bharat, India’s largest fitness community platform, the challenge has garnered widespread support for promoting fitness and honoring national heroes.
Major Surendra Poonia, VSM, founder of Fitistan – Ek Fit Bharat, praised SBI for spearheading this initiative, emphasizing its role in fostering a stronger connection between civilians and the armed forces. He encouraged the youth to visit Drass and Kargil War Memorials, urging them to pay homage to the soldiers who valiantly defended our nation.
The challenge is divided into four phases, each representing different stages of the Kargil War:
Phase 1: Preparation for Kargil Tiger Hill Challenge
Participants commit to walking a minimum of 5,000 steps daily for the first 30 days, totaling 150,000 steps by June 1st, 2024.
Phase 2: March to Kargil After completing Phase 1, participants increase their daily step count to 7,500 steps for the next 30 days, aiming to reach 225,000 steps by July 1st, 2024.
Phase 3: Assault on Tiger Hill
From July 2nd to July 25th, 2024, participants push further, walking 10,000 steps daily, totaling at least 240,000 steps by July 25th, 2024.
Phase 4: On Top of Tiger Hill on Kargil Vijay Diwas (July 26th)
On the final day, participants mark Kargil Vijay Diwas by walking 15,000 steps.
Paramveer Chakra recipient Captain Yogendra Yadav, a hero of the Kargil War, serves as the ambassador for the SBI Kargil Tiger Hill Challenge. His involvement adds profound significance to the event, inspiring participants with his courage and dedication.
Participants register for the challenge through the Fitistan app on Google Play Store, free of charge. Each participant receives an e-certificate signed by Captain Yogendra Yadav upon completion of the challenge, symbolizing their commitment to fitness and remembrance of the sacrifices made by our soldiers.
In his address, Shri Binod Kumar Mishra expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation’s security. He underscored the importance of initiatives like the SBI Kargil Tiger Hill Challenge in fostering a spirit of patriotism and unity among citizens.
The challenge not only promotes physical fitness but also serves as a platform for citizens to express their solidarity with the armed forces. By encouraging widespread participation, SBI aims to deepen the public’s appreciation for our soldiers’ sacrifices and inspire a healthier, more active nation.
As the challenge progresses, it continues to attract attention nationwide, highlighting the enduring legacy of courage and resilience from the Kargil War. Participants and organizers alike look forward to celebrating the conclusion of this meaningful journey on Kargil Vijay Diwas, honoring the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.