Yogasana to be pushed for inclusion in future Olympics, says Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

By  News On Air   May 26, 2026

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya today said that Yogasana would be pushed for inclusion in the future Olympic Games roster, keeping in mind India’s bid to host the 2036 Games. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Mr Mandaviya said that Ahmedabad will host the first World Yogasana Championship from 4th to 8th of next month, marking an important step in positioning the country’s traditional wellness practice as a global sporting discipline. The Minister said Yogasana reflects the country’s soft power and has emerged as a medium for promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and healthy living across the world.

Mr Mandaviya said yoga, which originated in India thousands of years ago, is now being widely accepted globally and has become an integral part of daily life in several countries. He said that around 75 countries have registered for the championship and over 5 hundred participants from across the world are expected to take part in the event. He added that the growing international acceptance of yoga presents opportunities for wellness, employment and global outreach. 

The Minister said Yogasana combines fitness, discipline and mental balance while also creating livelihood opportunities for yoga trainers and wellness professionals. He emphasized that India should take the lead in promoting Yogasana internationally.

During the event, the Minister also launched the official mascot, jersey and championship film of the First World Yogasana Championship 2026. The launches highlighted the government’s efforts to promote Yogasana as a global sporting discipline and strengthen awareness about the upcoming international event.