Ahmedabad : Ahmedabad marked a historic milestone in global sports today as the inaugural World Yogasana Championship 2026 commenced at EKA Arena TransStadia, bringing together more than 500 athletes from 78 countries for the first-ever international championship dedicated exclusively to Yogasana sport.
The landmark event was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who described the championship as the beginning of a transformative chapter in the global sporting movement. Addressing athletes and delegates from across the world, the Prime Minister said the championship represents a significant step toward establishing Yogasana as an internationally recognized competitive sport.
“Today, from the land of Ahmedabad, a new chapter has been added to the sporting legacy of the world. The first World Yogasana Sports Championship has begun,” said Prime Minister Modi while expressing confidence that Yogasana would eventually find a place among major global sporting events, including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
The championship represents a defining moment in the evolution of Yogasana, transforming an ancient Indian practice into a globally competitive sporting discipline while strengthening its pathway toward international sporting recognition.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, highlighted the growing international acceptance of Yogasana. Comparing the event to the early days of global sporting competitions, he noted that participation from 78 nations in the very first edition reflects the immense global appeal of the discipline.
“When the first football World Cup took place, only 13 countries participated. Today, athletes from 78 countries are participating in the inaugural World Yogasana Championship,” said Dr. Mandaviya. He further reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting Yogasana internationally and revealed that efforts are underway to strengthen its pathway toward Olympic recognition while aiming for inclusion in the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.
Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel welcomed athletes, officials, delegates and media representatives from across the world, expressing pride in Ahmedabad being selected as the host city for the inaugural edition of the championship.
“It is a matter of great pride that Ahmedabad is hosting the first World Yogasana Championship. The presence of athletes and dignitaries from across the world adds immense significance to this historic event,” said Shri Patel.
Yogrishi Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj, Honourable President of World Yogasana, described the championship as a landmark occasion in the history of Yogasana, emphasizing its role in inspiring millions of young people to embrace discipline, self-improvement and personal growth through sport.
Dr. Jaideep Arya, Secretary General of World Yogasana and Yogasana Bharat, highlighted the deeper values embodied by Yogasana. “Through Yogasana sport, we are creating a platform where athletes showcase not only physical excellence but also balance, discipline and mental strength,” he said.
Udit Sheth, President of Yogasana Bharat, termed the championship a defining moment in the global journey of Yogasana. “This championship is about much more than competition. It celebrates excellence, focus, balance and the limitless potential of the human spirit. With athletes from 78 countries gathered in Ahmedabad, we are witnessing history in the making,” he said.
India has fielded a strong 122-member contingent competing across six age categories in Individual Events, Artistic Events and Traditional Group categories over the five-day championship. The event also introduces an Electronic Scoring System at the global level for the first time, enhancing transparency, consistency and judging standards. A distinguished panel comprising 32 international judges and 51 national judges will oversee the competition.
As athletes from across continents compete in Ahmedabad, the inaugural World Yogasana Championship stands as a historic achievement not only for India but also for the global sporting community, signalling the arrival of Yogasana as a truly international competitive sport.