The inaugural World Yogasana Championship 2026 began in Amdavad with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring the event open. More than 500 athletes from 78 countries are competing in the historic tournament, which is being viewed as a major step towards securing global sporting recognition for Yogasana and its future inclusion in events such as the Commonwealth Games and Olympics.

Amdavad, June 4: Amdavad etched its name in sporting history on Thursday as the inaugural World Yogasana Championship 2026 got underway at EKA Arena TransStadia, bringing together more than 500 athletes from 78 countries for the first-ever global championship dedicated to Yogasana sport.

Declaring the championship open, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi described the event as the beginning of a new era for Yogasana. "Today, from the land of Amdavad, in the sports legacy of the world, a new chapter has been joined. Today, the first World Yogasana Sports Championship has begun," the Prime Minister said while welcoming athletes from across the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first World Yogasana Championship in Amdavad as athletes from 78 countries compete on the global stage. |

Yogasana eyes global sporting recognition

Expressing confidence in the future of the discipline, Shri Modi said, "I am sure that in the future, Yogasana will also make its place in international sports. This World Yogasana Championship happening in Amdavad is going to be a stepping stone in helping Yogasana be part of major sporting events like Olympics and Commonwealth Games."