"Very special competition": Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of World Yogasana Sports Championship
New Delhi, June 3
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted the growing global popularity of yoga and extended his best wishes to participants of the World Yogasana Sports Championship 2026, which is set to commence in Ahmedabad on June 4.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the championship marks an important milestone in the global sporting journey of Yogasana and has brought together yoga enthusiasts from across the world.
"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 milestone on the global sporting roadmap for Yogasana," PM Modi wrote.
The Prime Minister also said that he would be joining the event virtually on Thursday evening.
"I will be joining the event via technology as well at around 6:40 PM tomorrow evening," he added.
PM Modi congratulated the organisers for hosting the championship and conveyed his best wishes to all participants.
"My compliments to those who have organised such an innovative event and best wishes to all taking part," the Prime Minister said.
According to a release, more than 400 athletes from over 60 countries gather for the first-ever World Yogasana Championships 2026 (WYC 2026) from June 4-8. The inaugural edition of WYC 2026 will witness athletes from across the world, including the 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 Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of Ayush, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sports Authority of Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism and Gujarat Yogasana Sports Association - establishing Yogasana as a global sporting discipline and paving the way towards Olympic recognition.
The event is also expected to bring together 32 international judges and 51 national judges, highlighting the rapidly expanding global footprint of Yogasana as a competitive sport.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm not convinced. Turning yoga into a medal-focused sport seems to miss the point—yoga should be about inner peace, not scoring points. But kudos to the organizers for bringing 400 athletes from 60+ countries to Ahmedabad. Let's see how this evolves.
This is massive for Indian soft power! From the USA to Ghana to Uzbekistan, the world is embracing our heritage. Modi ji rightly called it a "very special competition." Hope this leads to Olympic recognition soon. India leading the way as always! 🇮🇳
I've been practicing yoga for years, and it's heartwarming to see it showcased on a global stage. But I do wish the government would also focus on funding local yoga schools and training programs in rural areas. Still, proud moment for India. Best wishes to all participants! 🧘♀️
Wonderful initiative! But I'm skeptical about how many of these 400 athletes from 60 countries are actually genuine practitioners versus just here for the hype. Let's hope the judging is fair and transparent. Still, it's a proud moment for Ahmedabad and India.
My grandmother does yoga daily in our village in Kerala—she'd be so proud to see this! It's amazing that ancient Indian wisdom is now a global sport. PM Modi's virtual presence shows his commitment. I just hope the event benefits local artisans and businesses in Gujarat too.
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