Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Gully Fitness League took over Mumbai’s Gullies for a Fitter Tomorrow

Navi Mumbai: In a major initiative, Salaam Bombay Foundation (SBF), an NGO that works with resource-challenged adolescents, brought thrilling excitement directly to the communities in Mumbai’s slums, giving them their own chance to participate and win through simple accessible fitness activities right in their own Gullies.

The Gully Fitness League is Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Fitness Monitors or Fitizens initiative, designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork and resilience among resource-challenged communities in Mumbai’ urban slums. The League, whose heats have been underway since November 2025, culminated in a grand finale on 12th December, 2025 at Cidco Exhibition Turf, Vashi.

The Gully Fitness League was one-of-a-kind initiative that brings together students and their communities to celebrate not just individual fitness, but community-driven fitness in an accessible and cost-effective manner. Following the slogan call of ‘Body Fit toh Life Hai Hit” over 1500 community participants across 50 gullies and led by 25 students Fitizens, participated in the heats.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gaurav Arora, Chief Growth Officer, Salaam Bombay Foundation, shares, “For many participants, the Gully Fitness League was instrumental in offering their first real access to organised sports, quality training and competitive exposure. Most of them face limited access to safe recreational spaces and structed fitness programmes which leads to decline in overall health and well-being. Through such path-breaking initiatives, Salaam Bombay Foundation (SBF), aims to play a crucial part in breaking this cycle and creating fitter futures. It is heartening to see so many people come out and join us to realise their strength, both physical and mental.”

46-year-old, Ms. Bharti Bansode a resident of Ramabai Colony, Ghatkopar shared, “I was reminded of my childhood days by participating in Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Gully Fitness League, where my friends would cheer for me while I participated in different sports and games. Growing up, I would love to play in the gully near my house and would always come first. My mother however had her reservations and would stop me. Today, household chores hold me back and I rarely find time for myself. Gully Fitness League became the perfect excuse not just to try different fitness-based games, but also to enjoy the sense of community it created with the people around us. It offered a refreshing break from our daily routines while keeping us active.”

Aadesh Sawant, Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Fitizen is 19 years old and is currently studying in class 11 at Sandesh Vidyalaya Junior College (Vikhroli), said, “I have been associated with Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Sports Academy for the past five years and thanks to them, I have had the opportunity to participate in many activities and sharpen my skills. Leading community members as part of the Gully Fitness League has been especially meaningful as it helped me build confidence and strengthen my management and leadership abilities.”

The finale event saw a grand march past, torch relay and exciting prizes for the winners. The event also saw the other participating teams coming together to cheer the finalists including the Ghatkopar Giants, Kanjur–Vikhroli Yoddhas, Thane–Mulund Steelers, Kurla–Sion Dabang, Khar–Bandra Warriors and Jogeshwari–Malad Fighters.

The Gully Fitness League featured multi-disciplinary fitness challenges, team-based competitions and on-ground mentoring from the Fitizens. The spirit of each community truly came alive as participants of all ages and genders rallied behind their teams, showcasing teamwork, enthusiasm and determination. Aligned with the Fit India movement, the Gully Fitness League was instrumental in putting the gullies at the heart of fitness, ensuring that wellness begins right where the community lives.

Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Sports Academy which was started in 2004, has been consistently working with students from resource-challenged backgrounds to improve their overall health and fitness. The Academy’s approach follows the spirit of NEP 2020 and the IOC’s Sports and Active Society vision. The goal is simple. Support physical health, steady the mind, and build life skills that help a young person stay on track. This year alone, the Academy through the initiative of it’s Fitizens, are on track to reach approx. 4,000 community members to help them reap the benefits of grassroots fitness sessions.