Ahmedabad, June 4: The First World Yoga Asana Championship is taking place in Ahmedabad from June 4 to June 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially announced the commencement of the championship through a virtual platform on Thursday evening.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi stated, “A new chapter is being added to the world’s sports heritage from the land of Ahmedabad. The first World Yoga Asana Championship is starting. I welcome all participants coming to India for this championship and extend my best wishes. Ahmedabad is a UNESCO World Heritage City, and hosting this event in this historic city is a matter of pride.”
He added, “International Yoga Day will be celebrated on June 21. Various yoga-related programs will take place in different countries on this day. This year, the main event will be held in another historic city of India, Kolkata. The World Yoga Asana Championship serves as a double dose of health and wellness before International Yoga Day.”
The Prime Minister mentioned, “A decade ago, India proposed the International Yoga Day at the United Nations. We aimed to connect ancient Indian traditions with the health and collective well-being of humanity. It is heartening to see that millions of people have now integrated yoga into their lives. Meditation and pranayama are becoming part of their lifestyles.”
PM Modi emphasized, “Every tradition evolves over time. This World Championship of Yoga Asana marks the beginning of a new phase. Through this championship, Yoga Asana will gain recognition as a competitive sport. I believe that in the future, Yoga Asana will find its place in international sports competitions, including the Olympics or any multi-sport event. The harder we work, the better the outcomes will be. The role of the first World Yoga Asana Championship in Ahmedabad will be significant.”
He pointed out, “Yoga Asana as a sport brings another dimension. We know that every major sport brings an entire ecosystem with it, creating new employment opportunities. Therefore, as Yoga Asana expands as a sport, the associated possibilities will also grow. This will open new avenues for athletes, coaches, sports scientists, researchers, and event managers.”
The Prime Minister noted, “This championship is being held at a time when the entire world is preparing for International Yoga Day. This year’s theme for International Yoga Day is ‘Yoga for Healthy Aging.’”
He remarked, “People are looking for ways to stay healthy and active for a long time. Yoga is the best option for this. Yoga liberates from both indulgence and disease. Most importantly, it is the best solution for a high-quality lifestyle on a minimal budget. Therefore, everyone should remember the mantra: ‘Daily Yoga drives away all ailments.’”
PM Modi also mentioned that the Ministry of AYUSH has launched Yoga 365. He urged all athletes participating in the World Yoga Asana Championship to carry the message of yoga back to their countries. “You can all become ambassadors of ‘Yoga 365’ in your nations. Your experiences and beliefs can connect the world with this message,” he said.
He concluded his address by stating that regardless of who wins the competition, all participants have already become champions by taking part. “Your talent and discipline will inspire youth worldwide. With these best wishes, I congratulate all participants and organizers,” he added.
The Prime Minister officially announced the opening of the First World Yoga Asana Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad.
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