New Delhi, July 18: The Yoga Federation of India (YFI) has announced significant steps regarding the future of competitive yoga in India, following a recent ruling by the Delhi High Court. The federation stated it will formally apply to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF). Additionally, it will initiate the process to restore its affiliation with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Recently, the Delhi High Court revoked the recognition granted to yoga as a national sports federation. The court directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to commence a new recognition process that is transparent, fair, and legally compliant, in accordance with the National Sports Development Code. The Yoga Federation of India hailed this decision as a significant achievement towards transparency, accountability, and good governance in Indian sports administration.
Established in 1974, the Yoga Federation of India is one of the oldest organizations promoting competitive yoga in the country. Over the past 50 years, the federation has organized competitions at district, state, and national levels. It has also worked continuously on developing technical standards, training judges and coaches, identifying athletes, and establishing yoga as a recognized sport both nationally and internationally.
The federation emphasized that the new recognition process should provide equal opportunities for all eligible organizations. It believes that if the process is conducted fully in accordance with the National Sports Development Code, it will enhance the credibility and institutional strength of yoga administration.
In outlining its upcoming roadmap, the federation mentioned plans to meet with the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and the President of the Indian Olympic Association, P.T. Usha. During these meetings, the organization will present its long-term roadmap for the development of competitive yoga and discuss necessary steps to restore its institutional identity at the national level.
The federation aims not only for recognition but also to establish an administrative framework for Indian yoga that prioritizes transparency, democratic representation, athlete welfare, and adherence to the law.
Dr. Aniruddh Gupta, President of the Yoga Federation of India, stated that the Delhi High Court ruling presents an opportunity to strengthen the future of yoga. He affirmed that the organization will participate seriously in the new recognition process and work towards restoring its affiliation with the Indian Olympic Association.
He added that the federation’s primary goal is to protect the interests of athletes and provide them with better opportunities. Preparations for the 11th Asian Yoga Championship, scheduled for 2027, have already begun. The federation is committed to collaborating with the ministry, the Indian Olympic Association, and other stakeholders to build a strong Indian team, aiming to position India as a global leader in competitive yoga.
The federation noted that the 11th Asian Yoga Championship, organized under the auspices of the Asian Yoga Federation, is expected to see participation from national federations of 17 Asian countries. In light of this, the process for identifying, selecting, and training athletes has already commenced, with a focus on preparing them for international competition. Strengthening training programs will be a top priority.
The federation reiterated that the future of Indian yoga should be based on transparent administration, democratic institutional arrangements, athlete-centered policies, and the rule of law. It believes that a fair recognition process will provide Indian athletes with a stable, professional, and internationally respected platform in the long run.
Dr. Abhinav Joshi, General Secretary of the Yoga Federation of India, stated that the organization has worked for over five decades on the development of competitive yoga and athletes. He welcomed the Indian government’s initiative in 2019 to develop yoga as a sport.
However, he alleged that the expected democratic and inclusive administrative framework did not materialize from that process. He claimed that the arrangements did not meet the expectations of many longstanding yoga organizations, leading to a limited framework. Consequently, the Yoga Federation of India decided to distance itself from that process.
Dr. Joshi expressed that the Delhi High Court ruling now offers a chance for a new and fair beginning. He urged the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to ensure that the new recognition process is conducted transparently, fairly, and in accordance with the National Sports Development Code. He is confident that such a process will not only strengthen Indian yoga but also provide long-term benefits to the country’s athletes.
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