Formal recognition of yoga as a competitive sport has been announced. Now in India, Yoga-related competition will be organized. The Yoga Championship will be held to select the best Yoga player from India. Those who practice yoga will get government jobs in sports quota as well from now onwards.
In a joint press conference today, the Ministry of AYUSH and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formal recognition of Yoga as a competitive sport. Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Union AYUSH and Minister of State (Independent), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Charge) Mr. Kiren Rijiju held a joint press conference in New Delhi.
Addressing the press briefing, Mr. Naik described yoga competitions as part of the Indian yoga tradition, where such competitions have been held for centuries. A strong and long-term pattern is yet to emerge on the national stage. He further said that the government’s decision to recognize yoga as a competitive sport after 3-4 years of extensive consultations with the stakeholders of the yoga sector.
He further added that “By becoming a sport of Yoga, new technologies and new strategies will be ensured by disciplinary inclusion, which will give our players and officials the benefit of making a better career in this field”.
Addressing journalists on the occasion, Mr. Kiren Rijiju said that the competition created by the recognition of Yoga as a sport will increase the interest of people around the world. He also said that the two ministries are working together to establish Yogasan as a competitive sport. He further said that the ministry is planning to include Yoga as a sport in Khelo India and University Games and it will also make it a part of the National Games but the goal and purpose of any sport is to join the Olympic Games and this is the beginning of a long journey. Shri Rijiju also said that Yoga is becoming a very beautiful, attractive and popular sport.