Indian fitness experts.
Good health is no longer a New Year promise. It is a daily practice, and across India a growing group of coaches, clinicians, and martial artists is showing how it is done. From a Mumbai studio built on science to a Nashik academy training the country's protectors, from a Navy veteran tackling lifestyle disease to a dentist teaching India to age well, these five experts are shaping how the country moves, eats, trains, and lives in 2026.
1. Mehul Lal: The Fitness and Nutrition Expert Bringing Academic Rigour to Everyday Health
Mehul Lal is a fitness and nutrition professional with over 15 years of experience and the Founder of Svasti, The Fitness-Nutrition Studio in Juhu, Mumbai. He holds a Master's in Human Movement from Mumbai University, an MSc in Global Health from OP Jindal Global University, and a PGD in Applied Nutrition and Dietetics from Symbiosis. A Certified Sports Nutritionist and Master Trainer from K11 Fitness Academy, he teaches Human Movement at Mumbai University and advises Nalanda College of Performing Arts on fitness and nutrition. Award-winning and quoted by leading publications, Mehul brings practical, science-led thinking to everyday health in 2026.
2. Richard Canday: Nashik's Combat Fitness Authority Training India's Protectors
Richard Canday is the Founder of Fightkraft Combat Fitness Academy, Nashik's leading combat sports and tactical fitness destination. With over 30 years of martial arts mastery across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, he is a distinguished Close Quarters Combat Instructor, Tactical Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Muay Thai, Krav Maga, and Boxing Coach. Certified by NASM, ISSA, NESTA, EBSSA, UFC Performance Institute, and the International Olympic Committee, he has empowered thousands of citizens, athletes, firefighters, police, and military personnel through transformative fitness programmes. He builds strength, discipline, resilience, confidence, and practical self-defence skills for healthier lifestyles and safer careers.
3.Commander Uma Maheshwar Chand (Retd.): The Navy Veteran Leading a Movement for Metabolic Health
Commander Uma Maheshwar Chand (Retd.) is a distinguished Indian Navy veteran with over 30 years of service, an author, and Founder of the Metabolic Energy Movement. An ISSA Certified Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, he promotes preventive healthcare through nutrition and mindfulness. He has coached over 1,000 individuals, reached 2,000 more, and founded the Happy Morning Club in 2020. Author of the Amazon Bestseller "Reach Your Ultimate Metabolic Advantage in 30 Days", whose paperback won three awards, he aims to empower 100,000 people. Earlier this year, he was also named among Mid-Day's Top 15 Entrepreneurs to Look Forward to in 2026.
4. Dr. Sunil Wagh: The Endodontist and Masters Sportsman Redefining How India Ages
Dr. Sunil Wagh is an Endodontist, Masters Sportsman, Senior Fitness Specialist, and Founder of Golden Hearts Senior Fitness and Balance, an initiative helping adults over 50 age stronger, safer, and more confidently. Combining decades of healthcare experience with lifelong sporting excellence, he champions active ageing, independence, and fall prevention. Dr. Wagh recognised that strength, balance, mobility, reflexes, and cognitive sharpness are vital to preserving confidence and quality of life with age. Through classes, programmes, talks, and workshops, he works to identify and reverse the silent decline after 50. His philosophy is simple and powerful: "Ageing is mandatory. Decline is not."
5. Shihan Hemal Shah: The Martial Arts Pioneer Who Created Fitness Kickboxing in India
Shihan Hemal Shah is a martial arts master, fitness professional, and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience. Founder of Fighting Fit since 1993, he created the Fitness Kickboxing system himself and launched it in India in 1999. He holds a 7th Dan in Traditional Jiu-Jitsu, 6th Dan in Kickboxing, 5th Dan in Karate, Warrior Level 1 Krav Maga certification, and Lakan Guro in Shinkali. He is India Representative for international bodies in Italy, Mauritius, and Japan. His honours include the Hall of Fame Award from the United States Martial Art Association, the Mumbai Ratna Award, and an Honorary Doctorate.
Their paths are different, but their message is the same. Health is built through knowledge, discipline, and consistency, and it belongs to everyone. As India learns to value prevention as much as cure, these five trusted voices are helping the country stay stronger for longer.
