Amdavad, Gujarat will host the 1st World Yogasana Championship from June 4th to 8th, marking the first time that the global event is being organised. More than 500 participants from 75 countries are expected to take part across 12 events during the championship.
Addressing the gathering ahead of the championship, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said, “Yoga was given to the world by India. It is an invaluable treasure discovered in our country 5,000 years ago.” Highlighting the significance of yoga, the Minister said, “Yoga gives us the strength of both body and mind,” while emphasising that yoga has now evolved beyond good health into a globally accepted sport.
Speaking about yoga’s growing international acceptance, Dr. Mandaviya said, “All the countries in the world have started accepting yoga and making it a part of their lives.” He noted that India’s knowledge and tradition of yoga exist in every household and street of the country.
Highlighting yoga’s expanding influence, the Minister said, “Yogasana today is not just a pathway to physical and mental well-being, but also a growing source of livelihood and a powerful symbol of India’s soft power across the world.” The Minister said that the championship presents a major opportunity for India to showcase its soft power globally.
The Minister further added that the federation should now work towards securing registration with the International Olympic Council framework to recognise yogasana as an international sport. Referring to India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics, Dr. Mandaviya said, “As the country where yoga originated prepares to host the Olympic Games in 2036, we will also make every effort to establish yogasana as an Olympic sport for the first time on the world stage.”