Young Women Take Centre Stage in WPL Fresh & Fit Challenge Across Indian Cities

From Bengaluru to Delhi to Lucknow, the BCCI-led initiative celebrates fitness, strength, and sportsmanship among college girls with the aim to nurture India’s future women athletes. In a vibrant display of fitness, grit, and girl power, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Fresh & Fit Challenge saw hundreds of college girls from across Bengaluru, Delhi, and Lucknow showcase their passion for sports and a healthy lifestyle. Organised by Times Experiences in collaboration with Times Fresh Face, the event was supported by the BCCI through WPL as the Talent Development Partner. The goal: to encourage more young women to embrace sports and fitness early in life, and to cultivate the next generation of women athletes in India. At its core, the WPL Fresh & Fit Challenge is more than just a competition. It's a nationwide movement to integrate sports into everyday life for young girls, offering a platform where they are celebrated not only for their skills but also for their potential to lead, inspire, and challenge gender norms in athletics.Bengaluru: Fitness Meets Fierce Competition The city finale in Bengaluru witnessed participation from over 1,590 students, with more than 65 shortlisted participants from top colleges such as Oxford College of Business Management, ISBR Business School, IFIM College, Alliance University, JAGSoM, and Acharya Institute of Technology. The competition consisted of two rigorous rounds featuring planks, push-ups, jumping jacks, squats, and crunches. Celebrity judge Saiyami Kher, an actor and sports enthusiast, energized the crowd with her words of encouragement: “Start young if you want to be a sportsperson – it helps immensely.” Fitness coach Ajith Kumar also praised the initiative for spotlighting young talent. Winners Ruchita, Divya Ashok, and Preritha J from Oxford and IFIM College stood out with their skill and strength, earning trophies, certificates, and special mentorship opportunities. As a special honour, they were invited to attend a live WPL match and were featured on national television.Delhi: A Platform for Aspiring Athletes In the national capital, the city finale welcomed over 1,700 students, with 55+ participants making it to the final round. Colleges like Miranda House witnessed enthusiastic participation, proving that Delhi's young women are eager to step into the world of competitive fitness. Three standout participants — Deepika Dalal, Toshani Rana, and Uditi Mishra, all from Miranda House — emerged victorious and received the unique opportunity to attend a WPL match and be featured live on television. The Delhi event echoed the same spirit: empowering women through physical activity and opening doors to opportunities in sports.Lucknow: Celebrating Strength and Sisterhood Lucknow added its own flair to the campaign with a vibrant city finale that drew in over 1,500 students from five top colleges. More than 50 young women competed in intense fitness challenges that tested agility, endurance, and determination. Eight teams of six competed in rounds including Broad Jumps, Push-ups, and the ultimate test — the Plank Challenge. Fitness expert Coach Sabir Ali joined the event, sharing important insights on the need for consistent fitness among women. “We often forget to prioritize our health. Initiatives like these remind us of our inner strength,” he said. Bollywood actress Amyra Dastur graced the event as the celebrity judge, sharing her personal journey in fitness and encouraging the girls to dream big and stay committed. Winners Khushbu Yadav, Chhaya Yadav, and Divyani Pal were honoured with trophies and mentorship opportunities, capping off a high-energy and emotional finale.More Than a Competition Across all three cities, the WPL Fresh & Fit Challenge reinforced a powerful message: that sports and fitness are essential tools for empowerment. The campaign is not only highlighting talent but also creating a lasting impact on the way young girls view their health, ambitions, and capabilities. The winners from each city will now move forward to compete at the national level, with the opportunity to continue learning under the guidance of seasoned sports professionals. As India continues to shine on global athletic stages, programs like these are crucial for building the foundation at the grassroots. Through celebration, mentorship, and visibility, the WPL Fresh & Fit Challenge is helping shape a future where more women athletes rise, lead, and inspire.