The Indian government has thrown its weight behind the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) efforts to get Yoga included in the Asian Games. This move comes amid growing recognition of Yoga as a competitive sport.
Sports Minister backs IOA proposal
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, has endorsed the IOA’s proposal to include Yoga in the Asian Games.
He highlighted Yoga’s global popularity and its readiness as a competitive sport with a defined scoring system and distinct categories of competition.
India at forefront of Yoga advocacy
The minister acknowledged the pivotal role India has played in promoting Yoga worldwide. He pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts in establishing International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21st.
He further emphasized India’s initiative to introduce Yoga as a competitive sport in the Khelo India Youth Games, which has been a resounding success.
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Momentum builds for competitive Yoga
The growing number of Yoga practitioners across India has fueled its inclusion in the National Games schedule. The government itself has actively promoted Yoga as a competitive sport alongside its established role as a holistic practice for health and well-being.
Official recognition and development efforts
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has officially recognized Yogasana Bharat, an organization dedicated to promoting and developing Yogasana as a competitive sport in India.
Additionally, Yogasana has been incorporated as a competitive discipline in the Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India University Games since 2020.
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Asian Games push for Yoga
The Asian Yoganasa Federation, recognized by the World Yogasana Alliance, has reportedly submitted a request to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for affiliation. This move aims to facilitate the development of Yogasana as a competitive sport across the Asian continent.
With the backing of the Indian government and growing international recognition, Yoga’s inclusion in the Asian Games could be a significant step forward for this ancient practice in its journey to becoming a mainstream competitive sport.
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