New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS): Actor-filmmaker Anil Kapoor along with Vijay Sampla, union minister of state for social justice and empowerment, inaugurated the first edition of the International Bicycle and Fitness Expo (IBFE) here Thursday.

The three-day expo, taking place at Pragati Maidan, began with the inaugural lamp lighting by 58-year-old actor-filmmaker and the minister. They were also accompanied by Pankaj Munjal, MD, Hero Cycles Ltd and Anil Khurana, MD, Ada Expo and Events Pvt Ltd.

Crediting cycling and running for a healthy body, Anil shared the importance of staying fit.

"I have a happy and healthy lifestyle. I realised the importance of fitness long before I joined the film industry. Physical activities like cycling and running not only help us get in shape but also make us mentally strong," Anil said at a press conference.

Inaugurating the expo, Sampla said: "It is an honour to be present here and inaugurate the first of its kind expo organised with international standards of quality. I appreciate this initiative for promoting cycling and contributing to a cleaner environment."

The expo has been organised to promote fitness as a preventive care and to showcase the latest technology and services in the fitness industry. The event, that will exclusively feature bicycles, bicycle parts, e-bikes, fitness equipments, is open for public.

In the three-day span of the expo, it is expected to be attended by one lakh visitors providing a platform to manufacturers and importers from Europe, China, Japan and Taiwan to interact with their target audience.

The expo, which will see the participation of 50 national and international exhibitors, will showcase high-end bicycles and fitness equipment in a price-range from Rs.10,000 to Rs.2,00,000.