"Yoga has become India's soft power and a medium of health, economic opportunity and global recognition": Mandaviya
Ahmedabad, May 26
Gujarat is set to host the inaugural World Yogasana Championship from June 4 to 8, with over 500 participants from 75 countries expected to compete across 12 events, marking a major milestone for yoga as a global sporting discipline.
According to an official release, speaking ahead of the championship, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said yoga, which originated in India over 5,000 years ago, has today emerged as a global movement promoting both physical and mental well-being.
"Yoga was given to the world by India. It is an invaluable treasure discovered in our country 5,000 years ago," the minister said while highlighting yoga's universal appeal and growing international acceptance.
Mandaviya noted that countries across the globe are increasingly embracing yoga and making it part of their daily lives, adding that Yogasana is now evolving beyond wellness into a recognised competitive sport.
Describing yoga as an important pillar of India's soft power, the minister said Yogasana has become not only a medium of health and mindfulness, but also a source of livelihood, economic opportunity and global recognition for the country.
He further stated that the upcoming championship provides India with a significant opportunity to showcase its cultural influence and leadership in yoga on the world stage.
Referring to India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, Mandaviya said efforts are being made to secure international recognition for Yogasana within the Olympic framework.
"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," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some positive news! 👏 Yoga has indeed become our soft power. I remember how people used to laugh at us for doing surya namaskar, now the whole world is practicing it. Proud moment for India 🇮🇳
Good initiative but we need to ensure quality over quantity. The real challenge is training authentic yoga instructors across India first, before marketing globally. Many so-called yoga gurus abroad dilute our traditions.
This is wonderful! Yoga changed my life after a back injury. The fact that 75 countries are sending participants to Gujarat shows real global acceptance. Mandaviya ji is right - this is both health and economic opportunity for India. 😊
I appreciate the effort but let's not get carried away with Olympic dreams. First, let's fix basic sports infrastructure in our villages. Most Indian kids can't even afford a yoga mat, while we talk about global championships.
Mandaviya ji is spot on! Yoga is our soft power weapon 🎯. When the world practices yoga, they also learn our philosophy of harmony. 2036 Olympics with Yogasana would be the ultimate dream! Let's make it happen! 💪
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