THE INAUGURAL World Yogasana Championship 2026 got underway at EKA Arena TransStadia in Ahmedabad on Thursday, with more than 500 athletes from 78 countries competing in the first-ever global championship dedicated to Yogasana as a competitive sport.
Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, described the event as the beginning of a new era for Yogasana. “Today, from the land of Amdavad, in the sports legacy of the world, a new chapter has been joined. Today, the first World Yogasana Sports Championship has begun. I am sure that in the future, Yogasana will also make its place in international sports. This World Yogasana Championship happening in Amdavad is going to be a stepping stone in helping Yogasana be part of major sporting events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.”
The championship marks a step toward establishing Yogasana as a globally recognised competitive sporting discipline.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said, “When the first football World Cup took place, only 13 countries participated. Today, in the first edition of World Yogasana Championship, 78 countries from all over the world are present. When the world talked about Shakti, India talked about balance.” He further noted that, “Through Yogasana, we are spreading it in the form of sports around the world.”
Yogasana is set to be included in the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, with efforts underway toward its future inclusion in the Olympics.
Gujarat Chief Minister, Mr Bhupendra Patel expressed, “It is a matter of great pride that Amdavad is hosting the 1st World Yogasana Championship 2026. I welcome athletes, dignitaries, guests and media representatives from across the world who have gathered here for this historic occasion. Together, your presence adds great significance to the inauguration of this championship. This event will be a great spectacle for the world and I extend my best wishes for the championship to be fruitful and a grand success.”
Yogrishi Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj, President, World Yogasana said, “Today marks an important occasion as participants from across the world come together for the first World Yogasana Championship. Millions of young people are embracing Yogasana as a sport and as a path to personal growth. While this championship is a competition, it is also a journey of self-discovery, self-discipline and self-improvement. Today, a new chapter has been written in the history of Yogasana.”
Dr Jaideep Arya, Secretary General, World Yogasana and Yogasana Bharat said, “We have to master our posture, but we have to master ourselves also. This is yoga. Yoga is a journey from the outside world to inside. Through Yogasana sport, we are creating a platform where athletes can showcase not only physical excellence, but also balance, discipline and mental strength. We must not only improve our posture, but also train our minds to remain balanced and adaptable in every situation.”
Yogasana Bharat President Udit Sheth said, “The world is ready for Yogasana sport. This championship is not merely a competition. It is about showcasing discipline, excellence, balance, focus and the limitless potential of the human spirit. Through Yogasana sport, we are creating a new avenue for young people across the world to embrace the yoga way of life through sport, aspiration and excellence. Today, with athletes from 78 countries gathered in Amdavad, we are witnessing a historic moment in the global journey of Yogasana.”
India has fielded a 122-member contingent competing across six age categories in Individual, Artistic, and Traditional Group events. The championship features an electronic scoring system at the global level for the first time, with 32 international and 51 national judges officiating across the five-day competition.
