World Yogasana Championships 2026 opens in India with 400 athletes from 60 countries

The first World Yogasana Championships 2026 (WYC 2026) is set to begin on Thursday (June 4) as more than 400 athletes from over 60 countries are due to compete.

The five-day event is being held at Eka Arena, Ahmedabad with the organisers claimd the meet aims to place Yogasana firmly as a competitive sport.

Athletes are expected from countries including USA, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. Officials described the championships as a key step in taking Yogasana beyond its traditional roots. The event also seeks to support Yogasana’s path towards recognition within the Olympic movement.

World Yogasana Championships 2026 support and hosting in India

The World Yogasana Championship 2026 is backed by multiple government and sports bodies. Support includes the Sports Ministry, Ministry of Ayush, Sports Authority of India SAI, Sports Authority of Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism and Gujarat Yogasana Sports Association. Organisers said this support is intended to strengthen standards for international competition.

Speaking ahead of the start, Udit Sheth, president of Yogasana Bharat, said, "Delighted to see us hosting this pioneering World Yogasana Championship at Eka Arena, Ahmedabad with 60+ countries. Its a fantastic platform for the Indian National Team and to take yogasana sport to the world, perhaps Indias greatest contribution to the world of sports.\"

World Yogasana Championships 2026 Indian contingent and age categories

India, as the host nation, will field a 122-member contingent. Athletes will take part across six age categories. These include sub-junior men and women aged 10-14 years. The junior men and women category covers 14-18 years.

Other divisions include senior 18-28 years and senior A 28-35 years. The remaining groups are senior B 35-45 years and senior C 45-55 years. Organisers said these categories are designed to widen participation. They also help compare performances across similar age brackets.

World Yogasana Championships 2026 events and electronic scoring system

Competitors will perform in individual events and artistic events during the championships. An electronic scoring system will be used for the first time at the global level. Officials said this is meant to improve transparency in marking. It is also expected to bring greater consistency and stronger judging standards.

Dr Jaideep Arya, general secretary of World Yogasana, said, \"The World Yogasana Championship is more than a competition; it is a defining moment in the evolution of Yogasana as a global sport. For the first time, athletes from more than 60 countries will come together on one stage to demonstrate the athleticism, discipline and artistry that Yogasana represents.\"

Organisers said the inaugural WYC 2026 brings together a broad field of international athletes. The event features multiple formats, structured age groups, and a new electronic scoring approach. With official support and India hosting at Ahmedabad’s Eka Arena, the championships will run for five days with participation from more than 60 countries.

With inputs from PTI