Yoga will gain new recognition as a global competitive sport: Modi
New Delhi, June 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the first World Yogasana Sports Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad on Thursday, said that yoga is India’s eternal gift to humanity, uniting the mind, body, and spirit and inspiring a healthier and harmonious world.
In a video message, the Prime Minister said that a new chapter is being added to the history of global sports from the land of Ahmedabad. He welcomed the athletes from various countries participating in the championship and extended his best wishes to them.
He said that Ahmedabad is a UNESCO World Heritage City and hosting this global competition in this historic city is a matter of pride for the entire country. Modi said that International Yoga Day will be celebrated in a few days on June 21st, with the main event taking place in Kolkata this year.
The Prime Minister recalled that almost a decade ago, India had proposed International Yoga Day at the United Nations, which received the support of 190 countries. India’s aim was to connect its ancient tradition with the health and collective well-being of humanity.
Modi stated that the World Yogasana Sports Championship would give yoga a new identity as a competitive sport. He expressed confidence that yoga will find its place in international sports competitions in the future.
He stated that with every major sport, a broad ecosystem develops, creating new employment and career opportunities. The expansion of yoga asana sports will provide new opportunities for athletes as well as coaches, sports scientists, researchers, and event management professionals.
The Prime Minister explained that this year’s theme for International Yoga Day is “Yoga for Healthy Aging.” Today, people are looking for ways to keep them healthy and active for longer, and yoga is an effective medium for this. He urged people to adopt the message of “Yoga every day, will drive away all diseases.”
Modi said that to further this vision, the Ministry of AYUSH has launched the “Yoga 365” campaign. He urged the athletes participating in the championship to return to their respective countries and become ambassadors of the message of yoga and raise awareness about it worldwide.
The Prime Minister said that no matter who wins the competition, all participants have already become champions by being a part of this historic event. Describing the talent and discipline of the athletes as an inspiration for the youth of the world, he congratulated all the participants and the organizers and announced the formal launch of the first World Yogasana Sports Championship 2026.
