Ahmedabad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the inaugural World Yogasana Sports Championship 2026 through video conferencing, describing the event as a milestone that could help establish Yogasana as a recognised competitive sport on the global stage.

Addressing participants from across the world, the Prime Minister said the championship marks a significant addition to the international sporting landscape and reflects the growing global acceptance of yoga.

Welcoming athletes to India, Modi said Ahmedabad, a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage City, was a fitting venue for hosting the historic event. He noted that the championship comes just ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, creating what he termed a unique opportunity to celebrate health, fitness and wellness.

He pointed out that the main International Yoga Day event this year will be held in Kolkata, while yoga-related activities will take place in numerous countries around the world.

The Prime Minister encouraged participants to carry the message of yoga back to their home countries and become ambassadors of the Ministry of AYUSH's "Yoga 365" initiative. He said the experiences of athletes and their commitment to yoga could inspire people globally to embrace the practice throughout the year.

Modi emphasised that every participant was already a winner by contributing to a landmark moment in the history of yoga. He added that their dedication and discipline would motivate young people across the world.

Reflecting on India's proposal at the United Nations for an International Day of Yoga nearly a decade ago, Modi said the objective had been to share India's ancient tradition with humanity and promote collective well-being. He noted that the proposal received overwhelming support from member nations and that yoga has since become an integral part of daily life for millions of people worldwide.

According to the Prime Minister, practices such as meditation and pranayama are increasingly being adopted across societies, highlighting yoga's growing relevance in modern lifestyles.

He further stated that the World Yogasana Championship represents the next phase in yoga's evolution. By introducing a competitive dimension, the event will help create a new identity for Yogasana while preserving its traditional values.

Expressing optimism about the future, Modi said Yogasana has the potential to find a place in major international sporting events, including multi-sport competitions and, eventually, the Olympic movement.

He added that sustained efforts by athletes, organisers and stakeholders would be essential in achieving that goal, and expressed confidence that the inaugural championship in Ahmedabad would play an important role in advancing the sport's global recognition.

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The Prime Minister concluded by congratulating all participants and organisers for contributing to a historic occasion in the promotion of yoga worldwide.