Ripudaman Bevli AKA ‘Plogman of India,’ Honored as Environmental Sports Champion of 2024 by Lewis Pugh Foundation

New Delhi, 14th October 2024: The Lewis Pugh Foundation, one of the world’s leading environmental organizations dedicated to ocean preservation and sustainable future initiatives, has announced its prestigious list of Environmental Sports Champions for 2024. Among the 37 globally recognized figures, Ripudaman Bevli, known as the ‘Plogman of India,’ has been named as India’s representative on this esteemed list, which includes Olympians, international athletes, and global environmental leaders.

“I am honored to be in the list of Environmental Sports Champions of 2024 by the Lewis Pugh Foundation – one of the biggest environmental foundations in the world. You will see Olympians and international players from across the globe in this list, so it’s a huge honor to represent India,” shared Ripudaman on receiving the accolade.

Championing Environmental Action through Sport

The Environmental Sports Champions list, curated by the Lewis Pugh Foundation, honors athletes who are utilizing their platforms and influence to raise awareness and rally support for pressing environmental issues, including the ongoing climate crisis. From footballers to sailors, climbers to Olympians, the individuals on this list are using their global presence to inspire change.

Ripudaman Bevli’s inclusion in this list is a testament to his trailblazing efforts in promoting environmental responsibility across India. Known for pioneering the ‘plogging’ movement in the country—combining jogging with litter-picking—Ripudaman has transformed a simple act of environmental cleanup into a nationwide movement. Through his innovative campaigns like the “Trash Workout” and “Plastic Upvaas,” Ripudaman has inspired millions of Indians to take small yet meaningful steps to protect the environment.

Ripudaman Bevli: A Trailblazer in Environmental Advocacy

Ripudaman’s journey from a former tech professional to a full-time environmental activist began in 2016, when he introduced the concept of plogging in India as part of the government’s FIT India and Swachh Bharat (Clean India) initiatives. Appointed as the official Plogging Ambassador of India, his movement, ‘Litter Free India,’ has since mobilized over 10 million participants. His commitment goes beyond cleanup drives, with notable achievements like the 50-day, 50-city campaign in 2019, during which he ran and cleaned 1,000 kilometers across the country.

To date, Ripudaman has organized over 700 cleanups across more than 110 cities, plogging over 6,000 kilometers and setting a world record for the longest non-stop plogging run. His tireless efforts have earned him recognition from the Prime Minister of India and numerous environmental organizations, making him one of India’s foremost eco-warriors.

A Global List of Champions

The Lewis Pugh Foundation’s list features global sporting icons such as Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins, climber Alex Honnold, and Olympic gold medalist Etienne Scott, among others. These athletes are leveraging the power of sport to highlight the urgent need for climate action. Alongside Ripudaman, the IPL team Rajasthan Royals also represents India on the list for their efforts to empower 15 million women in rural Rajasthan to address water scarcity and boost agricultural production.