Yoga is now a competitive sport in India, says Union sports ministry

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Minister of Ayurveda Yoga and Naturopathy Unani Siddha Homeopathy (AYUSH) Shripad Yesso Naik formally promoted 'yogasana' as a competitive sport during an event.

The move was made to promote yoga and spread awareness about its benefits and help in improving the physical and mental health of people.

Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "Yogasana has been a competitive sport for a long time. However, it must be recognized by the Government of India to becomes an official and recognized competitive sport. Today is a big day, we are launching it formally as a competitive sport and I am sure it will go a long way."

India has also recently established the National Yogasana Sport Federation of India (NYSFI) for the preservation and development of yoga as a competitive sport. The sports ministry last month recognized it as a National Sports Federation (NSF).

Minister Rijiju said the sports ministry would begin by providing financial help to the NYSFI so that the federation can draw up its schedule for the coming year.

The Sports Minister also said yogasana will also be added to the Khelo India Games program in future.

51 medals have been proposed in four events and seven categories in the sport for competitions.

Minister Kiren Rijiju took to Twitter and wrote, "Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji's vision to popularise Yoga and to make Yogasana as a sport is fulfilled today. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has officially recognized Yogasana as a competitive sport. As YOGA is India's gift to the world, YOGASANA is a gift to Sports World."

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