India’s bid to include Yogasana as a competitive sport in the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics marks a significant shift in the perception of yoga from a wellness practice to a globally recognized discipline.
In a move that could redefine the landscape of competitive sports, India has announced its intention to introduce Yogasana—an embodiment of yoga’s physical postures—as a recognized sport in the upcoming 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted in Ahmedabad. This initiative is part of a broader ambition to gain recognition for Yogasana within the 2036 Olympic cycle, reflecting a shift in how yoga is perceived globally.
Historically, yoga has been viewed primarily as a lifestyle practice focused on improving flexibility, enhancing breathing techniques, and promoting overall well-being. However, the recent announcement has sparked a renewed interest in yoga as a competitive discipline. This shift raises important questions about how yoga can be structured as a sport and what that entails for athletes and organizers alike.
Government Support and Evolution of Yogasana
Udit Sheth, a prominent advocate for Yogasana, attributes much of this momentum to the encouragement from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as support from the Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Sports. According to Sheth, the recognition and federated structure for Yogasana are vital to its acceptance on the global stage. “Our honourable Prime Minister, the Ayush Ministry, and the Sports Ministry together took the lead that our 5000-year heritage has been having a competitive edge through the asana practice,” he stated. “However, if the world is to embrace it, we need a structured approach.”
He elaborated that while Yogasana has been practiced for many years, it lacked a formal structure until recently. “In 2019, the Modi government took this opportunity to federate it,” Sheth explained. Since then, 57 countries have expressed interest in participating in a World Championship for Yogasana, with hopes to expand that number to 80-90 in the coming years.
Understanding Yogasana as a Sport
To clarify what Yogasana entails as a competitive sport, Sheth highlighted the differences between traditional yoga and the competitive format. “Yoga is a vast field that encompasses a complete philosophical and spiritual system. Yogasana, however, specifically refers to the physical postures of yoga,” he noted. “When Yogasana becomes a sport, athletes perform structured asanas according to a code of points.”
This competitive format focuses on various criteria, including flexibility, stability, strength, balance, grace, precision, synchronization, and difficulty. Sheth emphasized that Yogasana is not merely about flexibility; it incorporates scoring systems, timing, precision, and execution. “We have 272 asanas rated into a graded average,” he revealed, explaining that the competition is structured to include traditional asanas and artistic sequences.
Scoring and Competitiveness
The scoring system for Yogasana is designed to enhance the competitive nature of the sport. Athletes are judged on their control, stability, transitions, and difficulty levels. This system aims to ensure that participants are not only performing asanas but also demonstrating athleticism and mental composure. “Every movement is scored in real-time, and every wobble matters,” Sheth explained. “There’s a competitive framework in place, where athletes first challenge themselves and then compete against others.”
This competitive nature is intended to attract a younger audience and make Yogasana appealing on a global scale. Sheth pointed out that the sport’s structure must engage modern viewers to maintain interest and viewership. “If we lose TRP, your sport is dead,” he cautioned, referencing the need for sports to adapt to viewer preferences.
Yogasana’s Unique Identity
One of the challenges that Yogasana faces is distinguishing itself from established sports such as gymnastics. Udit noted that while gymnastics is dynamic and kinetic, Yogasana emphasizes stillness and control. “A gymnast conquers gravity through motion. A Yogasana athlete conquers the body through stillness,” he explained. This philosophical distinction could help in establishing Yogasana’s unique identity within the global sports arena.
Moreover, Yogasana’s accessibility is a significant advantage. “It doesn’t require extensive infrastructure,” noted Umang Dawn, another advocate for the sport. “In almost any country, people practice yoga, even if they refer to it differently.” This global familiarity may facilitate the sport’s acceptance across diverse cultures.
Pressure and Recognition for Athletes
The journey to establishing Yogasana as a competitive sport is not without its challenges, particularly for athletes facing high levels of pressure. Nitin Pawale, a medalist from the Asian Championships, recalled the intense competition he faced during the 2022 All India University Games, where he won gold by a narrow margin of 0.5 points. He explained that the stakes are high, with small mistakes having significant consequences. “In yoga, positions can change by half marks,” he said, underscoring the razor-thin margins of success.
Similarly, 15-year-old Deetya Vinod Balgi shared her experiences with competition-related stress, highlighting the need for mental preparation alongside physical training. Coaches like Komal Verma also experience significant pressure, as they work to maintain a supportive environment for their athletes while managing their own anxieties. “As a coach, managing emotional balance is one of the toughest parts of coaching in Yogasana,” she noted.
Future Prospects and Sustainability
Looking ahead, the broader challenge for Yogasana extends beyond Olympic participation to sustainability and visibility in a sports landscape dominated by cricket and a few other major disciplines in India. Udit emphasized the importance of establishing a unique sporting identity for India, particularly in light of the global repackaging of yoga. “Yoga belongs to India,” he asserted. “It is high time we packaged it in the right way for television.”
As the push for recognition in international arenas continues, the advocates for Yogasana remain optimistic. They believe that if successful, India could not only see an increase in participation but also potentially become a leading nation in Yogasana competition. “I can proudly say that India is going to become one of the countries winning the most medals in Yogasana,” Komal stated confidently. “There will be a time when India has the highest medal tally in this sport.”
As the journey for Yogasana unfolds, it remains to be seen whether it will gain a permanent place in the Olympic landscape. However, the groundwork being laid today could pave the way for a bright future for this ancient practice, transforming it into a significant global sport.
