Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 June called on athletes at the inaugural World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad to become global ambassadors of the Ayush Ministry's 'Yoga 365' campaign, urging them to carry the message of year-round yoga practice back to their home countries. The appeal came as the championship — drawing more than 400 competitors from over 60 countries — opened its doors for a five-day run from 4 to 8 June.

The 'Yoga 365' Campaign

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Modi said the Ministry of AYUSH had launched the 'Yoga 365' initiative to encourage sustained, year-round engagement with yoga and promote healthier lifestyles across communities — moving beyond the single-day observance of the International Day of Yoga. The campaign aligns with this year's International Day of Yoga theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', which frames yoga as a lifelong, accessible health practice.

'Taking this thought forward, the Ministry of AYUSH has launched the 'Yoga 365' campaign,' Modi said at the ceremony.

What Modi Said to the Athletes

The Prime Minister directly addressed the international contingent, framing each athlete as a potential grassroots advocate. 'When you return to your respective countries, take this message of yoga with you. All of you can become ambassadors of 'Yoga 365' in your own countries. Your experience and your faith in yoga can connect the entire world with this message,' he said.

Modi also positioned yoga as a cost-effective preventive health tool. 'Yoga frees people from indulgence and also from disease. Most importantly, it is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a minimum budget,' he added.

Significance of the Championship

The World Yogasana Championship is regarded as a landmark step toward developing Yogasana as a structured international competitive sport. The event has received backing from the Ayush Ministry alongside national sports authorities and global organising bodies. Notably, the championship's inaugural edition underscores India's sustained push to internationalise yoga — a soft-power effort that has gathered pace since the United Nations designated 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2015, following a proposal by Modi himself.

Broader Context

India's yoga diplomacy has expanded steadily over the past decade, with the Ayush Ministry anchoring domestic and international outreach. The 'Yoga 365' campaign represents an attempt to institutionalise that momentum beyond the annual June observance. Congratulating organisers and participants, Modi said athletes' commitment to yoga 'could help strengthen international awareness of the practice and contribute to the continued growth of yoga-related initiatives throughout the year.'

With the championship running through 8 June, all eyes will be on whether the event catalyses new national federations and formal Yogasana competitive structures in participating countries.