In a major move to promote yoga as a competitive sport, India is set to host the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sports Championship from April 25 to 27, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The championship, organized jointly by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and Yogasana India, will witness participation from over 170 athletes, 40 technical officials, and 30 team managers and coaches representing more than 20 Asian countries.  This prestigious event is a significant step toward establishing Yogasana as a globally recognized sport.

The Indian government, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is fully committed to promoting Yogasana on the world stage and has been working actively to develop it as a competitive discipline.  A press conference was held to announce the event, which was attended by several dignitaries of the Yogasana movement, including Udit Sheth (President, Yogasana India), Dr. Sanjay Malpani (President, Asian Yogasana Federation), and Dr. Jaideep Arya (Secretary General, World Yogasana Federation).  Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony on April 25, 2025, underscoring India’s commitment to elevating Yogasana to an international competitive platform.  Speaking at the press conference, Udit Sheth remarked, “This is a historic moment for the sport of Yogasana as we host the Asian Championship in India and establish a global stage for our discipline.My best wishes to Team India as this moment will resonate across the competitive sports landscape for years to come.” 

Dr. Sanjay Malpani noted the overwhelming response from athletes and federations, stating it reflects Yogasana’s readiness to gain global recognition. He added that this edition of the championship promises to be even grander. Dr. Jaideep Arya emphasized that the journey of Yogasana—from a sacred practice to a global sport—reflects India’s vision, resilience, and leadership. He stated that the championship will set new benchmarks in competitive Yogasana. 

The championship will showcase elite Yogasana athletes competing across strength, flexibility, endurance, and artistic categories. The event also aims to highlight the deep cultural roots and traditions of yoga. Team India was formally introduced at the event, featuring athletes from across the country—each with a story of hard work, dedication, and excellence.  The official mascot of the championship, symbolizing the spirit and power of Yogasana, was unveiled alongside the launch of the event’s official anthem, which captures the energy, pride, and vision behind Yogasana’s emergence as a global sport. 

About Asian Yogasana Federation: The Asian Yogasana Federation is a sports body recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia. It is dedicated to promoting and regulating Yogasana as a competitive sport across Asia. Affiliated with World Yogasana, the federation designs curriculums, conducts training, and organizes competitions to establish Yogasana as an internationally recognized discipline.

This championship is expected to take the sport to new heights, with ongoing support from the Government of India, the Ministry of Sports, SAI, and Yogasana India. The event is poised to play a pivotal role in popularizing Yogasana not just in India, but throughout Asia.