India's Ambitious Bid to Take Yogasana to the Olympics

The Indian government is making strides to include Yogasana in future Olympic Games, as part of the country's ambition to host the 2036 Games. The World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad, scheduled for June 4-8, showcases this effort, featuring 529 athletes from over 60 countries, including 114 Indian yogasana practitioners.

This inaugural championship is not just a competition but an indication of India's aspirations to establish Yogasana on the global stage. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted efforts to include Yogasana in the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with a broader vision for its Olympic inclusion by 2036.

The championship, integrating artistic and rhythmic categories judged on various physical parameters, signifies a larger movement towards recognizing Yogasana as a competitive sport. The event's strategic importance is evident as it doubles as a platform to document and promote the sport globally.

(With inputs from agencies.)