Gujarat's Shahnavaz Vaja wins 2 golds at World Yogasana Championship
Synopsis
A farmer's son from a small Gujarat town walked into the first-ever World Yogasana Championship and walked out with two golds — Hand Balance and Traditional Group-1 — competing against 78 countries. Shahnavaz Vaja's story, from Army-prep drills in Vanthli to a national record of 25-plus gold medals, is one of the more quietly remarkable sporting rises ahead of International Yoga Day 2025.
Key Takeaways
Shahnavaz Vaja from Vanthli, Junagadh won gold in Hand Balance and Traditional Group-1 at the World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad .
The championship reportedly featured athletes from around 78 countries and is described as the first of its kind.
Vaja holds a national record with more than 25 gold medals and over 70 total medals across competitions.
His yoga journey began as physical conditioning for the Indian Army , introduced by his father Dawood .
His long-term goal is a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030 .
He trains four to six hours daily and credited teacher Vipul Solanki and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for early encouragement and policy support.
Shahnavaz Vaja, a young athlete from Vanthli in Gujarat's Junagadh district, claimed two gold medals at the World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad, earning national recognition just ahead of International Yoga Day on 21 June. The achievement is especially notable given that his journey into yoga began not as a competitive pursuit, but as physical conditioning aimed at a career in the armed forces.
The Championship and What He Won
Vaja secured gold in the Hand Balance and Traditional Group-1 categories at the championship, which reportedly drew participation from around 78 countries. The event has been described as the first World Yogasana Championship of its kind. For a young man from the Sorath region of Gujarat, the podium finish marks a significant leap onto the global stage of competitive yoga.
A Career Built on a Father's Vision
Vaja's sporting foundation was laid by his father, Dawood, who introduced him to physical training with the goal of preparing him for the Indian Army or Police. Yoga was incorporated as part of general fitness conditioning. 'My father's guidance played a decisive role in shaping his career,' Vaja said. His early schooling also proved pivotal — at G. L. Solanki Primary School in Vanthli, teacher Vipul Solanki recognised his flexibility and encouraged him to enter competitions, including the Khel Mahakumbh.
A Record That Speaks for Itself
Vaja has since established a national record, accumulating more than 25 gold medals and over 70 medals in total across various competitions. He trains for four to six hours every day. He noted that he initially faced scepticism from those who did not regard yoga as a competitive sport or a viable career. 'Attitudes have since changed significantly, with the same individuals now acknowledging his achievements,' he said.
Recognition, Government Support, and the Road Ahead
Vaja credited the central government and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for supporting yoga's development as a competitive discipline, which he said contributed to the staging of the world championship in Ahmedabad. Looking ahead, he has set a clear long-term target: winning gold at the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad in 2030. He also expressed a broader ambition to win gold medals for India at international yoga competitions, noting that the sport now demands consistent training and discipline at a level unimaginable in earlier years.
Point of View
Individual champions like Vaja have limited pathways to sustained global recognition. The Commonwealth Games 2030 ambition is real, but yoga's place on that programme is not yet confirmed. The government's enthusiasm for promoting yogasana competitions is clear; the harder task is building the institutional scaffolding — rankings, funding, anti-doping frameworks — that turns a feel-good world championship into a durable sporting ecosystem.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shahnavaz Vaja and what did he win?
Shahnavaz Vaja is a young athlete from Vanthli in Gujarat's Junagadh district who won two gold medals — in the Hand Balance and Traditional Group-1 categories — at the World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad. The championship reportedly featured participants from around 78 countries.
What is the World Yogasana Championship?
The World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad is described as the first international competitive yoga championship of its kind, drawing participants from approximately 78 countries. It is supported by the Indian government as part of efforts to establish yoga as a recognised competitive sport.
How did Shahnavaz Vaja get into competitive yoga?
Vaja was introduced to physical training by his father Dawood, who intended it as preparation for a career in the Indian Army or Police. Yoga was part of that fitness regimen. Teacher Vipul Solanki at G. L. Solanki Primary School in Vanthli later recognised his flexibility and encouraged him to compete, including at the Khel Mahakumbh.
What is Shahnavaz Vaja's medal record?
Vaja has established a national record with more than 25 gold medals and over 70 medals in total across various competitions. He trains four to six hours daily to maintain his competitive edge.
What are Shahnavaz Vaja's future goals?
Vaja's stated long-term goal is to win gold at the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad in 2030. He has also expressed a broader ambition to win gold medals for India at international yoga competitions.
