The championship welcomed over 500 athletes from 78 countries, marking the first event of its kind globally. Ahmedabad, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City, is the event’s host.
The opening ceremony was graced by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State Harsh Sanghavi, and World Yogasana President Swami Ramdev, among other distinguished attendees. Participating countries include Uganda, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Japan, Oman, Mauritius, and the Netherlands.
A New Era for Yoga
Modi expressed that the championship signifies a pivotal moment for yoga’s international presence. “Every living tradition evolves with time. This World Championship of Yogasana Sports heralds a new era,” he noted.
“Through this Championship, Yogasana will receive fresh recognition as a Competitive Sport, and I am optimistic that it will eventually be included in the Olympics and other multi-sport events.”
A group of athletes from Uzbekistan exhibit their yoga skills in preparation for the 1st World Yogasana Championship 2026, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Reflecting on India’s successful initiative for International Yoga Day at the United Nations nearly a decade ago, which garnered support from 190 nations, Modi stated that yoga, meditation, and pranayama have become integral to the daily lives of millions globally.
This championship precedes International Yoga Day on June 21, with the main event set to be held in Kolkata. This year’s theme is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” Modi encouraged all participating athletes to promote the Ministry of Ayush’s ‘Yoga 365’ campaign in their home countries.
“Upon returning to your nations, take this yoga message with you as ambassadors of ‘Yoga 365,’ and link the entire world to this message through your experiences and beliefs,” he remarked.
Speaking to the participants, he added: “Regardless of who wins this competition, by participating in this significant historical moment, all of you have already become Champions.”
Looking Towards the Olympics and Commonwealth Games
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that it has already been decided to include yogasana in the proposed 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, with ongoing efforts to ensure its inclusion in the 2036 Olympic Games.
Members of the Kazakhstan Yogasana team pose ahead of the 1st World Yogasana Championship 2026, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
He drew a comparison to the early days of football, mentioning that only 13 countries took part in the inaugural FIFA World Cup, in contrast to the 78 nations participating in this first Yogasana championship.
Modi also emphasized the sport’s economic prospects. “As yogasana sports develop, new opportunities will emerge, creating career avenues for athletes, trainers, sports scientists, researchers, and event managers,” he concluded.
