PM Modi Celebrates Global Yoga Championship Set to Begin in Ahmedabad
PM Modi Extends Best Wishes for World Yogasana Sports Championship
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the increasing global appeal of yoga and sent his best wishes to participants of the World Yogasana Sports Championship (WYC) 2026, which is scheduled to kick off in Ahmedabad on June 4.
PM Modi Describes Championship as a 'Key Milestone'
In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister remarked that this championship represents a significant milestone in the international journey of Yogasana, uniting yoga enthusiasts from around the globe. He stated, "Yoga is becoming immensely popular worldwide! Tomorrow, on June 4, a unique competition, the inaugural World Yogasana Sports Championship 2026, will begin in Ahmedabad. This event has gathered yoga lovers from all over the world. It is a crucial milestone on the global sporting map for Yogasana."
PM Modi also mentioned that he would participate in the event virtually on Thursday evening, saying, "I will join the event through technology at approximately 6:40 PM tomorrow evening."
He congratulated the organizers for their efforts in hosting the championship and wished all participants success, stating, "My compliments to those who have organized such an innovative event and best wishes to all participants."
A Global Event Aiming for Olympic Recognition
As per an official release, over 400 athletes from more than 60 nations will convene for the inaugural World Yogasana Championships 2026 (WYC 2026) from June 4 to June 8.
This first edition of WYC 2026 will feature competitors from various countries, including the USA, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan, among others.
This landmark event signifies a pivotal moment in the development of Yogasana, transitioning an ancient Indian practice into a globally recognized competitive sport while enhancing its prospects for Olympic recognition.
The World Yogasana Championship 2026 is backed by several organizations, including the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of Ayush, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sports Authority of Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism, and the Gujarat Yogasana Sports Association, all working to establish Yogasana as a global sporting discipline and facilitate its journey towards Olympic acknowledgment.
The event is also set to feature 32 international judges and 51 national judges, showcasing the rapidly growing global presence of Yogasana as a competitive sport.