Bhubaneswar: India’s first-ever Physical National Yogasana Sports Championships started in the capital city on Thursday.
As many as 560 young athletes from 30 states are aiming for 50 medals in a uniquely designed competition at the championship that will continue till November 13.
Organised by National Yogasana Sports Federation (NYSF) in association with Government of Odisha, the competition is a stepping stone in the direction of making Yogasana part of prestigious Olympics platform.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department, R Vineel Krishna encouraged and motivated the athletes during the opening ceremony.
NYSF president, Udith Sheth; NYSF General Secretary, Dr Jaideep Aarya and Sasmita Samanta (KIIT University) were also present at the opening ceremony.
Sheth thanked Odisha government for their overwhelming support in hosting the Yogasana Championship. Speaking on the occasion he said, “We want to make Yogasana India’s Heritage Sport Brand for the world. The structure of the championship for Yogasana as a sport has been uniquely curated.”
The event has been conceptualised with an aim to create a global brand of Yogasana as a competitive sport and support India’s vision to make Yogasana a sport with an Olympic Roadmap.
The NYSF (recognised by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports) is consistently working towards building a strong culture of fitness, competition, well-being and growth through practice and development of Yogasana.
Yoga is now being transformed as a sport taking a cue from Kabaddi and Cricket, Yoga has the key to a sustainably healthy lifestyle and wellness, it is important to ensure that the youth understand, value, and adopt Yoga in their life, said the speakers.
Odisha is one of the preferred partners for sports federations and has been applauded for some of the finest sports infrastructure and allied facilities.
Bhubaneswar has earned a great reputation as a hub for sports by successfully hosting major national and international events, such as Khelo India University Games.
Dr. Arya said “Health and fitness should be of utmost priority and there is no better discipline than Yoga. At NYSF we are committed to our efforts towards promoting Yogasana and maintaining high standards in the competitive sport. The sports facilities at Bhubaneswar are marvelous to host the event.”
The NYSF is recognised by India Olympic Association as its associate member and also part of the international federation ‘World Yogasana Sports Federation’.
