Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, urged people — particularly the youth — to incorporate Yoga into their daily routines, shun substance abuse, and actively contribute to the vision of a 'Developed India' and a 'Developed Rajasthan'. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 51st Sub-Junior and Junior National Yogasana Sports Championship at Alankar PG College, Jaipur, Sharma announced the implementation of the Rajasthan TOPS scheme to groom athletes from the state for the Olympic Games.

Yoga as a National Heritage

Sharma described Yoga as 'an invaluable heritage of India's ancient culture', crediting it with teaching the world the art of living a healthy, disciplined, and balanced life. He said Yoga sharpens concentration, strengthens decision-making, and promotes positivity. 'At a time when changing lifestyles and health challenges are affecting people across the world, Yoga remains a simple, accessible and effective means of maintaining a healthy mind and body,' he said.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts that led to the United Nations declaring 21 June as the International Day of Yoga, noting that Yoga, meditation, and pranayama have since become part of the daily routine of millions worldwide.

Rajasthan TOPS and Sports Infrastructure Push

In a significant announcement for aspiring Olympians, Sharma confirmed that the Rajasthan TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) has been implemented to identify and prepare the state's top athletes for international competition. He added that 17 new Khelo India Centres are being established across Rajasthan, and grants totalling ₹40.12 crore have been sanctioned for 1,786 athletes. The state has also released the Rajasthan Youth Policy-2025 and is rapidly strengthening sports infrastructure at the grassroots level.

The government aims to position Rajasthan as a leading state in sports at both national and international levels, Sharma said.

Employment and Education Initiatives

Highlighting the state government's broader youth agenda, Sharma said appointments to 1.93 lakh posts have already been made, with recruitment for another 1.18 lakh posts currently under way. A recruitment calendar covering 1.25 lakh additional posts has been released, and employment has been provided to 5 lakh youths in the private sector.

On the education front, the government is establishing Atal Gyan Kendras in villages, equipped with online classes and e-libraries, while sports grounds are being developed in every panchayat. A language centre has also been launched in Jaipur to teach the languages of five countries to young people aspiring to work abroad.

Paper Leaks and Competitive Exams

Sharma alleged that paper leaks had occurred frequently during the tenure of the previous state government, and claimed that not a single such incident has taken place under the current administration. He urged examination aspirants to work hard and assured them the government would safeguard their aspirations. This claim, while politically charged, could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.

Championship Results and Ceremony

West Bengal secured first place at the 51st National Yogasana Championship, with Haryana finishing second and Maharashtra third. The Rajasthan team presented a musical Yogasana performance during the event. Among those in attendance were Member of Parliament Rao Rajendra Singh, Alankar PG College Chairman Lalchand Kataria, Padma Shri awardee Gulabo Sapera, and Asian Yoga Federation President Ashok Kumar Agarwal, along with delegates from yoga federations across the country.

With the Olympic cycle approaching, Rajasthan's dual focus on Yoga as a wellness discipline and structured Olympic pathways signals an ambition that will be tested in the years ahead.