Celebrated supermodel Milind Soman and fitness inspiration Ankita Konwar were honoured at the NDTV Who’s Next 2025 Awards where the duo was widely acknowledged as India’s most influential fitness couple for their long-standing contribution towards health awareness and preventive wellness. Milind Soman was awarded the Fitness Icon of the Year while Ankita Konwar was presented with the Millennial Fitness Icon Award.
Sharing his thoughts on the honour Milind Soman remarked
“True fitness isn’t defined by extremes or achievements but by discipline and dedication to oneself. Pinkathon was created to make fitness inclusive for everyone especially women and to remind them that their health deserves priority. I am grateful that this journey continues to be recognised.”
Ankita Konwar said
“This award mirrors the rising consciousness among millennials about fitness and overall well-being. My effort has always been to inspire women to stand up for themselves understand their bodies better and adopt fitness as a natural part of life.”
Milind Soman has been instrumental in reshaping India’s understanding of fitness by emphasising commitment, inclusivity, and sustainable health goals. He is the driving force behind Pinkathon India’s largest women-centric running movement launched in 2012 encouraging women to prioritise health while building breast cancer awareness. Over time Pinkathon has evolved into a powerful nationwide initiative, engaging over five lakh women across major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. The platform has enabled free breast screenings supported thousands of women raised over ₹1 crore for underprivileged cancer patients and introduced many first-time runners through initiatives like the Saree Run,Grandmothers’ Run, and Babywearing Mothers Walk.
The Fitness Icon of the Year honour celebrates Milind Soman’s unwavering efforts to make fitness approachable, meaningful, and relevant for people across age brackets.
Meanwhile Ankita Konwar recipient of the Millennial Fitness Icon Award has emerged as a powerful advocate for women’s health mindful living and endurance fitness among the younger generation. She founded Invincible Women in 2023 a health awareness and ultramarathon initiative encouraging women to overcome physical, social, and emotional barriers to prioritise their well-being. The Invincible Women’s Run India’s first women-only ultramarathon features 50 km 75 km and 100 km endurance categories, highlighting strength, resilience and long-term wellness.
The NDTV Who’s Next 2025 Awards honour individuals shaping the future with purposeful work and meaningful impact. The recognition of Milind Soman and Ankita Konwar reinforces India’s growing commitment toward fitness, preventive healthcare, and community-driven wellness initiatives.
