Ahmedabad, June 4 (IANS). The first World Yogasana Championship is being organized in Ahmedabad from June 4 to June 8. On Thursday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially announced the beginning of the First World Yogasana Championship-2026 through virtual medium.
In his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Another new chapter is being added to the world’s sports heritage from the land of Ahmedabad. The first World Yogasana Championship is starting. I welcome all the participants who have come to India to take part in this championship. I extend my best wishes. Ahmedabad is a UNESCO World Heritage City. It is a matter of pride to organize this event in this historical city of India.”
He said, “World Yoga Day will be celebrated on June 21. On this day, programs related to yoga will be held in different countries of the world. This time the main program will be held in Kolkata, another historical city of India. Before World Yoga Day, the World Yoga Championship is like a double dose of health and wellness.”
The PM said, “A decade ago, India had gone to the United Nations with the proposal of International Yoga Day. We wanted to connect the ancient Indian tradition with the health and collective well-being of the entire humanity. 190 countries in the UN had supported India’s proposal. It is heartening to see that crores of people have now made yoga a part of their lives. Meditation, pranayam are becoming a part of their lifestyle.”
PM Modi said, “Every life tradition enters a new phase with time. This World Championship of Yogasana is the beginning of this phase. Through this championship, Yogasana will get a new identity as a competitive sport. I am confident that in the future Yogasana will also make its place in international sports competitions. Be it the Olympics or any multi-sport competition. The harder we work, the more pleasant the results can be. The role of the first World Yogasana Championship going to be held in Ahmedabad will be important.”
He said, “There is another side to Yogasana as a sport. We know that every big sport brings with it a complete ecosystem. It creates new employment opportunities, so as Yogasana expands as a sport, the possibilities associated with it will also increase. It will also bring new opportunities for players, coaches, sports scientists, researchers and event managers.”
PM Modi said, “This championship is being organized at a time when the whole world is busy preparing for International Yoga Day. This year the theme of International Yoga Day is ‘Yoga for Healthy Aging’.”
He said, “People are looking for such solutions which will keep them healthy and active for a long time. Yoga is the best option for this. Yoga gives freedom from indulgence and also gives freedom from diseases. Most importantly, it is the best way to have a high lifestyle in minimum budget. Therefore, everyone has to remember this mantra that ‘Yoga every day will drive away all diseases’.”
The Prime Minister said, “The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has launched Yoga 365. I would also urge all the players participating in this World Yogasana Championship. When you return to your countries, take the message of Yoga with you. All of you can become ambassadors of ‘Yoga 365’ in your countries. Your experience and your faith can connect the entire world with this message.”
He said, “No matter who wins this competition, all of you have already become champions by participating in this competition. Your talent, your discipline will inspire the youth all over the world. With these best wishes, I congratulate all the participants and organizers.”
At the end of his address, the Prime Minister announced the launch of the First World Yogasana Championship 2026 Ahmedabad Open.
–IANS
PAK
