India’s most iconic fitness duo, Milind Soman and Ankita Konwar, were the center of attention at the prestigious NDTV Who’s Next 2025 Awards. The couple was recognized for their decades-long commitment to transforming India into a more health-conscious nation through inclusive fitness movements and preventive health advocacy.
The ceremony, held in late December 2025, celebrated individuals who have made a significant impact on societal well-being, with Soman and Konwar being hailed as inspirations across multiple generations.
The awards highlighted the distinct yet complementary paths the duo has taken to promote a culture of wellness in India.
- Milind Soman – Fitness Icon of the Year: Recognized for making fitness a lifelong habit rather than a short-term goal. Soman has consistently advocated for discipline over extremes, famously promoting barefoot running and simple, sustainable lifestyle changes.
- Ankita Konwar – Millennial Fitness Icon: Honored for her role as a powerful voice for mindful fitness among younger audiences. Her focus on “listening to one’s body” has resonated deeply with millennials seeking holistic well-being.
A core pillar of their recognition was their tireless work in making fitness accessible to women. Both have founded major initiatives that link physical activity with critical health awareness.
Major Initiatives Highlighted:
- Pinkathon (Founded by Milind Soman): Since 2012, India’s largest women’s run has reached over 500,000 women. Beyond fitness, it has raised over ₹1 crore for underprivileged cancer patients and provided free breast cancer screenings for thousands.
- Invincible Women (Founded by Ankita Konwar): Launched in 2023, this initiative features India’s first women-only ultramarathon. With events ranging from 50 km to 100 km, it encourages women to shatter mental and physical barriers.
“Fitness is rooted in everyday discipline rather than extremes. It is encouraging to see this philosophy being acknowledged on a national platform,” said Milind Soman during his acceptance speech.
The NDTV Fitness Awards 2025 emphasized that the duo’s impact spans from grandmothers to new mothers. Through inclusive formats like the Saree Run, Grandmothers’ Run, and Babywearing Mothers’ Walk, they have ensured that age, attire, or lifestyle are never barriers to health.
| Feature | Milind Soman (Icon of the Year) | Ankita Konwar (Millennial Icon) |
| Primary Focus | Sustainable Discipline & Consistency | Mindful Fitness & Resilience |
| Key Movement | Pinkathon (Women’s Run) | Invincible Women (Ultramarathon) |
| Core Message | Fitness as a Lifelong Habit | Holistic & Mental Well-being |
| Cities Impacted | 10+ Major Indian Metros | Nationwide Digital & On-ground |
By bridging the gap between physical resilience and preventive health, Soman and Konwar continue to shape an ecosystem where health is viewed as a sustained commitment rather than a fleeting trend.
Key Highlights:
- Top Honors: Milind Soman was named Fitness Icon of the Year and Ankita Konwar received the Millennial Fitness Icon award at the NDTV Who’s Next 2025 Awards.
- Social Impact: The duo was lauded for their flagship initiatives, Pinkathon and Invincible Women, which have mobilized over half a million women for fitness and breast cancer awareness.
- Inclusive Philosophy: Soman emphasized that fitness is about everyday discipline rather than extremes, highlighting inclusive events like the Saree Run and Grandmothers’ Run.
- Empowering Millennials: Ankita Konwar was recognized for promoting holistic well-being and endurance through India’s first women-only ultramarathon.