Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya today said that the first World Yogasana Championship to be held in Ahmedabad marks an important step in positioning India’s traditional wellness practice as a global sporting discipline.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the Minister said Yogasana reflects India’s soft power and has emerged as a medium for promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and healthy living across the world.

Mr Mandaviya said yoga, which originated in India thousands of years ago, is now being widely accepted globally and has become an integral part of daily life in several countries.

He noted that around 75 countries have registered for the championship and over 5 hundred participants from across the world are expected to take part in the event. He added that the growing international acceptance of yoga presents opportunities for wellness, employment and global outreach.

The Minister said Yogasana combines fitness, discipline and mental balance while also creating livelihood opportunities for yoga trainers and wellness professionals.

He emphasised that India should take the lead in promoting Yogasana internationally and highlighted efforts to secure wider global recognition for the sport through international sporting bodies.

During the event, the Minister also launched the official mascot, jersey and championship film of the 1st World Yogasana Championship 2026.

The launches highlighted the government’s efforts to promote Yogasana as a global sporting discipline and strengthen awareness about the upcoming international event.