Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described yoga as India’s timeless gift to humanity and hailed the launch of the first World Yogasana Sports Championship as a landmark moment in the global journey of the ancient discipline, which he said continues to promote physical well-being, mental balance and harmony across cultures and nations.
Addressing participants at the inaugural World Yogasana Sports Championship in Ahmedabad via video conferencing, Modi underscored yoga’s growing global appeal and its ability to connect people beyond geographical, linguistic and cultural boundaries.
“Yoga is India’s timeless gift to humanity,” the Prime Minister said. “Uniting mind, body and spirit, it inspires a healthier, more harmonious world.”
Emphasising that yoga has evolved into a worldwide movement for wellness and holistic living, Modi said the practice offers a path towards inner peace and collective well-being at a time when societies across the world are facing unprecedented physical and mental health challenges. He noted that yoga’s universal values have enabled it to transcend national borders and become a shared heritage embraced by people from diverse backgrounds.
The Prime Minister also lauded participants in the championship for demonstrating the discipline, dedication and excellence associated with yogasana, the competitive sporting form of yoga that has gained increasing international recognition in recent years. He said the event represented a significant step in expanding the global footprint of yogasana and integrating it into the international sporting landscape.
Earlier in the day, Modi highlighted the championship’s significance in a post on social media platform X, describing it as a milestone in the global development of yogasana as a sport.
“On June 4, a very special competition, the 1st World Yogasana Sports Championship 2026, will commence in Ahmedabad. This platform has brought together yoga enthusiasts from around the world. It is a significant milestone on the global sporting roadmap for Yogasana,” he said in a social media post on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister also extended his appreciation to the organisers of the event and conveyed his best wishes to all participants. “My compliments to those who have organised such an innovative event and best wishes to all taking part,” he said.
The championship has drawn yoga practitioners, athletes and enthusiasts from several countries, reflecting the growing international popularity of yoga not only as a wellness practice but also as a competitive discipline. Organisers said the event aims to promote yogasana globally while encouraging greater awareness of the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga.
Modi’s remarks come just weeks ahead of the observance of the International Day of Yoga on June 21, which has become one of India’s most successful global cultural initiatives. The annual event traces its origins to India’s proposal at the United Nations in 2014, when the General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring June 21 as International Day of Yoga with unprecedented support from member states.
Since then, yoga has emerged as a key pillar of India’s cultural diplomacy and soft-power outreach, with large-scale celebrations being organised across continents every year. Under Modi’s leadership, successive governments have sought to position yoga as a universal practice that promotes preventive healthcare, sustainable lifestyles and mental well-being.
The rise of yogasana as a competitive sport has been a more recent development, with national and international federations working to establish standardised formats, judging criteria and championship structures. Supporters of the movement argue that competitive yogasana helps showcase the athletic and technical dimensions of yoga while attracting younger participants and expanding its global audience.
The inaugural World Yogasana Sports Championship is being viewed as a significant step towards institutionalising the sport internationally and strengthening efforts to secure wider recognition for yogasana in global sporting forums.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to sharing the values embodied in yoga with the world, Modi said the ancient practice continues to serve as a powerful force for unity and harmony. He expressed confidence that the championship would further inspire people across nations to embrace yoga as a way of life and contribute to building a healthier and more balanced world.