India on Tuesday officially launched the first-ever World Yogasana Championship (WYC) 2026 here, marking a major step in the country’s effort to establish Yogasana as a recognised competitive sport globally.
World Yogasana Championship
India on Tuesday officially launched the first-ever World Yogasana Championship (WYC) 2026 here, marking a major step in the country’s effort to establish Yogasana as a recognised competitive sport globally.
The championship will be held from June 4 to 8 at the Eka Arena in Ahmedabad and is expected to feature athletes and delegations from more than 60 countries, including Uganda, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Japan, Oman, Mauritius and the Netherlands.
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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched the event in the presence of federation officials and unveiled the official logo, trophy, jersey and mascot named ‘Veer’, a lion symbolising strength and leadership. The event is being backed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of Ayush, Sports Authority of India, Sports Authority of Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism and the Gujarat Yogasana Sports Association.
Speaking at the launch, Mandaviya said, “India gifted yoga to the world under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the nation is now leading the movement to establish Yogasana as a globally recognised competitive sport. The World Yogasana Championship reflects the strength of our youth, our culture, and our vision of positioning India at the forefront of emerging global sports.”
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“The championship is a fantastic step towards global expansion of our sport that is a gateway to the Yoga Way of Life. I welcome all countries to India and am confident that this championship will pave a pathway to a new Yogasana sporting economy,” he added.
World Yogasana and Yogasana Bharat secretary general Jaideep Arya said the response from participating nations had been highly encouraging.
“My primary focus has been to ensure strong participation from all 5 continents. There are more than 60 countries joining this movement and the enthusiasm and response is growing rapidly,” Arya said.
“There is tremendous excitement from all athletes, institutions and national federations globally. At present, we are training and developing teams, technical officials and leadership structures and our vision is not only to organise championships, but also to establish Yogasana as a sporting discipline rooted in India’s ancient wisdom, while aligning modern sports governance and international standards.”
Yogasana Bharat president Udit Sheth described the championship as the beginning of a larger sporting movement.
“Yogasana has the potential to become India’s greatest sporting contribution to the world, and that’s where we are going. This is more than a championship, it is the beginning of a global sporting movement born in India and packaged for the world with modern teaching, scoring and broadcasting systems,” Sheth said.
The championship will feature events across categories such as Traditional Yogasana, Artistic Yogasana, Rhythmic Pairs and Team Events in junior, youth and elite divisions under internationally recognised judging standards. Officials believe the event could become an important milestone in Yogasana’s long-term ambition of gaining recognition in major international multi-sport events and eventually the Olympics.
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