India’s Yogasana triumph sparks CWG hope

AHMEDABAD, JUN 9 (NPN): India’s overwhelming success at the first-ever World Yogasana Championships has not only highlighted its dominance in the sport but also provided momentum for the country’s preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, where Yogasana is expected to debut as a medal event.
The championships, held at EKA Arena from June 4–8, saw participation from over 400 athletes representing 78 countries, underscoring the sport’s growing global appeal. Hosts India topped the medal tally with an extraordinary 114 medals — 102 gold, nine silver, and three bronze. This performance firmly established India as the frontrunner in competitive Yogasana.
Chief coach Chandra Kant Mishra attributed the success to meticulous planning and intensive training. The Indian contingent underwent a month-long camp at SAI Gandhinagar, supported by seven coaches, three physiotherapists, two masseurs, and a dietician. Athletes followed demanding schedules that included endurance running, strict dietary programmes, and nearly six hours of daily training.
Mishra explained that competitive Yogasana differs significantly from traditional yoga. While yoga for health emphasizes comfort and mindfulness, competitive Yogasana requires athletes to push beyond conventional limits, demanding exceptional strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Sub-junior rhythmic pair gold medallist Ishika Guchhait described the camp as transformative, teaching her the importance of diet, fitness, and recovery. The 14-year-old, whose father sells betel leaves, took up yoga at her mother’s insistence to instil discipline. Her journey reflects the diverse backgrounds of Indian athletes. Another champion, Gujarat’s Heena Rajbhor, balances a modelling career with research in Yoga Shastra, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the Indian contingent.
Despite India’s dominance, Mishra cautioned that sustaining supremacy would be challenging. Athletes from Russia, Japan, and several European nations displayed remarkable physical strength and secured gold medals by compensating for technical gaps with superior holding ability. Competitors from Nepal and Argentina also posed strong challenges. Mishra stressed that India must continuously invest in athlete development to maintain its edge.
The championships highlighted the structured nature of modern competitive Yogasana. Athletes were judged on efficiency of asanas, facial expressions, and ability to hold positions. The World Yogasana Federation has standardized scoring for 250 recognized asanas, ensuring consistency across competitions. The federation is also training judges and sending coaches abroad to globalize the sport and strengthen its case for Olympic inclusion.
Yogasana Bharat president Udit Seth emphasized that the inaugural championships marked the beginning of a larger vision. The organization aims to build a year-round international ecosystem through continental championships, professional leagues, athlete development programmes, and stronger national federations. Seth said the ultimate goal is to transform Yogasana from a championship-based discipline into a global sporting movement.
Looking ahead, Mishra revealed that the Sports Authority of India is already planning for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, where Yogasana is expected to feature. He also mentioned the possibility of Yogasana being included in the Olympic programme if India hosts the 2036 Summer Olympics. Plans are underway to establish five Centres of Excellence dedicated to Yogasana training, while athletes will also benefit from employment opportunities through the sports quota system, strengthening the sport’s professional pathway.