Imphal, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, emphasized the potential of yoga to emerge as a leading international sport during a recent event. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 38th National Yoga Championship-2026 and the selection trials for the 12th World Yoga Championship, he called on Indian athletes to prepare diligently for upcoming global competitions.
The championship is set to take place in Thailand next year, and the event in Imphal is organized by the Manipur Yoga Society in collaboration with the All India Yoga Culture Federation.
Highlighting the significance of India’s ancient traditions, Singh noted a growing interest in Sanskrit, one of the country’s classical languages, even beyond its borders. He mentioned the increasing academic and technical interest in Sanskrit in Europe.
Reflecting on his own commitment to promoting yoga since 2014, Singh shared his experiences with grassroots initiatives. He recounted how yoga instructors associated with Seva Bharati taught yoga at various religious and sacred sites in his constituency.
The Chief Minister stressed that yoga extends beyond mere physical exercise, contributing to mental and spiritual well-being as well. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pivotal role in establishing International Yoga Day at the United Nations in 2014, which saw the proposal co-sponsored by 177 countries.
Using hockey as an example, Singh pointed out that while India has a rich history in the sport, lack of adequate preparation has hindered the country’s ability to maintain its dominance at the highest levels. He urged Indian yoga athletes to prepare thoroughly for both global and world championships, with an eye toward competing in the Olympics in the future.
Welcoming participants from various states, Singh encouraged them to carry a message of peace from Manipur back to their homes.
Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Manipur’s Minister for Home and Youth Affairs, added that under Modi’s guidance, yoga has gained unprecedented recognition worldwide. He highlighted that yoga asanas promote not just physical discipline but also concentration, mental balance, self-control, and resilience, aiding in the harmony between body and mind.
The Chief Minister officially inaugurated the championship, interacting with participants and wishing them success in both the championship and the selection trials. The event will run from October 2 to 4, during which trials will also be held for selecting the Indian team for the 12th World Yoga Championship in Thailand in 2027. The theme of the championship is “Yoga for Health, Harmony, and National Unity.”
Leave a Comment