Modi opens Yogasana Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad; targets CWG 2030 and Olympics 2036

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the first World Yogasana Sports Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad via video conferencing, declaring it open with the words, “I hereby declare the First World Yogasana Championship 2026, Ahmedabad, open!”

The event drew over 500 athletes from 78 nations, competing in the world’s first championship of its kind. Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is the host.

The opening ceremony was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State Harsh Sanghavi, and World Yogasana President Swami Ramdev, among other dignitaries. Participating nations include Uganda, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Japan, Oman, Mauritius, and the Netherlands.

A New Phase For Yoga

Modi said the championship marks a turning point for yoga’s global standing. “Every living tradition enters new phases with time. This World Championship of Yogasana Sports marks the beginning of such a new phase,” he said.

“Through this Championship, Yogasana will get new recognition as a Competitive Sport, and I am confident that in the future, Yogasana will be included in the Olympics and other multi-sports events.”

Recalling India’s successful proposal for International Yoga Day at the United Nations nearly a decade ago, which received support from 190 countries, Modi said yoga, meditation, and pranayama have since become part of the daily lives of millions worldwide.

The championship falls ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, whose main programme is scheduled in Kolkata. This year’s theme is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” Modi urged all participating athletes to carry the Ministry of Ayush’s ‘Yoga 365’ campaign back to their home countries.

“When you return to your respective countries, carry this message of yoga with you as ambassadors of ‘Yoga 365,’ and connect the entire world to this message through your experience and faith,” he said.

Addressing participants, he added: “No matter who wins this competition, by becoming a part of this important chapter of history, all of you have already become Champions.”

Olympics And Commonwealth Games In Sight

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said a decision had already been taken to include yogasana in the proposed 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, and that efforts were underway to secure its inclusion in the 2036 Olympic Games.

He drew a parallel with football’s early days: only 13 countries participated in the first FIFA World Cup, against the 78 nations competing in this inaugural Yogasana championship.

Modi also highlighted the sport’s economic potential. “As yogasana sports expands, new possibilities will grow, bringing career opportunities for athletes, trainers, sports scientists, researchers, and event managers,” he said.