PM Narendra Modi to virtually join inaugural event of first World Yogasana Sports Championship
The first World Yogasana Sports Championship 2026 will commence in Ahmedabad on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, confirming his virtual participation in the event. PM Modi said yoga is gaining tremendous popularity across the world.
"... on June 4, a very special competition, the 1st World Yogasana Sports Championship 2026, will commence in Ahmedabad. This platform has brought together yoga enthusiasts from around the world. It is a significant milestone on the global sporting roadmap for Yogasana," he wrote on X.
PM Modi said he will join the event virtually at 6:40 pm on Thursday. "My compliments to those who have organised such an innovative event and best wishes to all taking part," he added.
Yoga is gaining tremendous popularity across the world! Tomorrow, on 4th June, a very special competition, the 1st World Yogasana Sports Championship 2026 commences in Ahmedabad. This platform has brought together Yoga enthusiasts from around the world. It is a significant…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 3, 2026
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"Yoga for Healthy Ageing" - the theme of the 12th International Day of Yoga to be observed on June 21, 2026 - reflects the growing global recognition of yoga as a holistic approach to promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being, according to a statement.
Rooted in India's ancient wisdom and embraced across continents, yoga has emerged as a trusted pathway to healthy and active living.
The theme highlights yoga's transformative potential in fostering vitality, resilience and independence, while reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of preventive healthcare and holistic wellness, it said.
400 plus athletes set to participate
More than 400 athletes from over 60 countries will participate in the championships. The inaugural edition of WYC 2026 will witness athletes competing from across the world including USA, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan among others.
The landmark event marks a defining moment in the evolution of Yogasana, transforming an ancient Indian practice into a globally competitive sporting discipline while strengthening its pathway towards recognition within the Olympic movement.
The World Yogasana Championship 2026 is supported by the Sports Ministry, Ministry of Ayush, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sports Authority of Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism and Gujarat Yogasana Sports Association.
Hosts India will field a 122-member contingent, with athletes competing across six age categories -- sub-Junior men and women (10-14 years), junior men and women (14-18 years), senior (18-28 years), senior A (28-35 years), senior B (35-45 years) and senior C (45-55 years).
These athletes will showcase their skills over the next five days in individual events, artistic events and an electronic scoring system will be introduced for the first time at the global level, enhancing transparency, consistency and judging standards.
Speaking on the eve of the championships, Udit Sheth, president of Yogasana Bharat said, "Delighted to see us hosting this pioneering World Yogasana Championship at Eka Arena, Ahmedabad with 60+ countries. It's a fantastic platform for the Indian National Team and to take yogasana sport to the world, perhaps India's greatest contribution to the world of sports."
Dr Jaideep Arya, general secretary of World Yogasana, added: "The World Yogasana Championship is more than a competition; it is a defining moment in the evolution of Yogasana as a global sport. For the first time, athletes from more than 60 countries will come together on one stage to demonstrate the athleticism, discipline and artistry that Yogasana represents." |
