Yogasana Olympic push highlighted as Ahmedabad hosts first World Championship

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said India planned to push Yogasana for inclusion in future Olympic Games.

The remarks came as Ahmedabad prepared to host the sport’s first World Yogasana Championship. The event runs from June 4 to 8. India is also bidding to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

The World Championship will bring 529 athletes from over 60 countries. India will have 114 Yogasana practitioners in the field. The Indian team was selected after trials. The squad is training at Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad ahead of the competition.

Yogasana Olympic Games bid and India 2036 plans

At the launch event, Mandaviya linked the push to India’s long-term sports plans. "Yogasana will be among the traditional sports in the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad...We are bidding to host the Olympic Games in 2036 and when that happens, our sport should be there on the roster. Efforts are being made by both the government of India and the national federation Yogasana Bharat to ensure that Yoga becomes an Olympic sport by that time," Mandaviya said.

Mandaviya also outlined the process for Olympic recognition. "Procedure is to have 75 countries as your signatories to become an international federation, after which a plea to the International Olympic Committee can be made for a sports inclusion in the Olympics," Mandaviya added. The comments pointed to steps needed before a formal approach to the IOC.

Yogasana Olympic Games pathway and 2032-2036 targets

World Yogasana vice President Udit Sheth supported the plan and set a timeline. "Our vision is to have it as a demonstration sport in the 2032 Olympics and then make it a medal event in 2036 irrespective of whether the Games happen in Ahmedabad or anywhere else," Sheth asserted. The target includes both demonstration and medal status.

The championship will have 12 events across six age groups. Categories start at age 10 and go up to 55. Events are scheduled for both men and women. Organisers said this format is meant to show the sport’s competitive range and judging standards.

Yogasana Olympic Games hopes amid withdrawals and regional absences

Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will not take part from the Asian region. World Yogasana Secretary General Jaideep Arya said the overall entry list was affected by conflict-related withdrawals. "Three-four countries had to withdraw because of the war but overall participation is quite good. Nepal and Sri Lanka have the biggest contingent after india but we have participation from countries like the Netherlands, Oman, Japan, Kenya and Mauritius," Arya told reporters.

Officials said Yogasana is judged as a physical posture sport, separate from wellness practice. Competition is split into artistic and rhythmic segments. A points system will be applied by nine judges around the field of play. Athletes will be marked on alignment, symmetry, face direction, and muscle stability.

Yogasana Olympic Games visibility and documentary plans

Sheth said the event will not be broadcast live. Instead, organisers plan to use the tournament as the base for a documentary later. "Yogasana has the potential to become Indias greatest sporting contribution to the world and thats where we are going. This is more than a championship, it is the beginning of a global sporting movement," he said. The championship remains scheduled for June 4 to 8 in Ahmedabad.

With inputs from PTI