The Ministry of Minister of Ayush (Ayurveda Yoga and Naturopathy Unani Sidda Homoeopathy) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is set to recognise Yogasana as a competitive sport.

AYUSH Minister Shripad Yesso and MYAS Kiren Rijiju will be holding a press briefing in the afternoon today wherein they are likely to make some announcements about the initiative to promote yoga as a sporting event.

The Central government is promoting yoga as a competitive sport within the country, with an aim to bring awareness about yoga, its benefits and spiritual background in young community.

India has also recently established the National Yogasana Sport Federation of India (NYSFI) for preservation and development of yoga as a competitive sport.

“Yogasana as a competitive sport can develop an interest in yoga among people across the world. The Fit India Movement initiated by the Indian Government has gained impetus and the Government has promoted yoga as a healthy practice to stay fit. Since the inception of International Yoga Day, the growth prospect for Yoga has been immense,” says NYSFI on its website.

“Yoga organisations and institutions worldwide have been campaigning to turn yoga asana into a competitive sport… Yogasana as an Olympic event would create a widespread opportunity for expanding awareness of yoga and its myriad health benefits.”