PM Narendra Modi inaugurates landmark event as athletes from 78 countries gather for the first-ever global Yogasana championship

World Yogasana Championship Debuts in Ahmedabad, Marking a New Era for the Sport

Global Spotlight on Ahmedabad as Inaugural World Yogasana Championship Begins

Yogasana Takes a Leap Towards Global Recognition with Historic Championship in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad Hosts Historic First World Yogasana Championship as Yogasana Takes a Major Step onto the Global Sporting Stage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates landmark event as athletes from 78 countries gather for the first-ever global Yogasana championship

• Bilkul Online
• Ahmedabad | 05 June 2026

 Ahmedabad etched its name in sporting history on Thursday as the inaugural World Yogasana Championship 2026 got underway at EKA Arena TransStadia, bringing together more than 500 athletes from 78 countries for the first-ever global championship dedicated to Yogasana sport.

Declaring the championship open, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as the beginning of a new era for Yogasana.

“Today, from the land of Ahmedabad, a new chapter has been added to the sporting legacy of the world. Today, the first World Yogasana Sports Championship has begun,” Modi said while welcoming athletes from across the globe.

Expressing confidence in the future of the discipline, he said, “I am sure that in the future, Yogasana will also make its place in international sports. This World Yogasana Championship happening in Ahmedabad is going to be a stepping stone in helping Yogasana become part of major sporting events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.”

The championship marks a defining moment in the evolution of Yogasana, transforming an ancient Indian practice into a globally competitive sporting discipline and strengthening its pathway toward international sporting recognition.

Calling the occasion historic, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said the scale of participation reflected the growing global appeal of Yogasana.

“When the first football World Cup took place, only 13 countries participated. Today, in the first edition of the World Yogasana Championship, 78 countries from across the world are present,” he said.

Emphasising the values that Yogasana represents, Mandaviya added, “When the world talked about power, India talked about balance.”

He further noted that Yogasana is being promoted worldwide as a sport and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to its growth. He said Yogasana is expected to be included in the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad while efforts continue to strengthen its pathway towards future Olympic inclusion.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel welcomed athletes, delegates and dignitaries from around the world and expressed pride in Ahmedabad hosting the inaugural edition of the championship.

“It is a matter of great pride that Ahmedabad 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,” Patel said.

Swami Ramdev, President of World Yogasana, said the championship represents a milestone in the global journey of the sport.

“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,” he said.

Jaideep Arya, Secretary General of World Yogasana and Yogasana Bharat, highlighted the deeper values of the discipline.

“We have to master our posture, but we have to master ourselves as well. This is yoga. Yoga is a journey from the outside world to within. Through Yogasana sport, we are creating a platform where athletes can showcase not only physical excellence but also balance, discipline and mental strength,” Arya said.

Udit Sheth, President of Yogasana Bharat, said the championship demonstrates the growing international acceptance of the sport.

“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. Today, with athletes from 78 countries gathered in Ahmedabad, we are witnessing a historic moment in the global journey of Yogasana,” he said.

India has fielded a 122-member contingent, with athletes competing across six age categories in Individual Events, Artistic Events and Traditional Group categories over the next five days.

The championship is also introducing an Electronic Scoring System at the global level for the first time, enhancing transparency, consistency and judging standards. A total of 32 international judges and 51 national judges will officiate during the competition.

With athletes from 78 nations converging in Ahmedabad, the inaugural World Yogasana Championship has not only created history for the city and the country but has also signalled the arrival of Yogasana as a truly global competitive sport.