Ahmedabad took a significant step toward its ambition of becoming a global sporting hub on Thursday, 4 June 2026, as Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel declared the city was moving towards becoming a 'Sports Capital' and was actively preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The declaration came at the inauguration of the first-ever World Yogasana Championship 2026, which has drawn more than 500 athletes from 78 countries.

A Historic First for Yogasana

The five-day championship, held in Ahmedabad with the virtual participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks the first time Yogasana has been organised as a formal international competitive sport. Participating nations include the United States, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan, among others. The event has been organised with the support of the Union Ministries of Youth Affairs and Sports and Ayush.

For the first time at an international Yogasana event, organisers have introduced an Electronic Scoring System (TSR) and the International Code of Points, with 32 international and 51 national judges officiating. The championship spans traditional, artistic, and individual events across sub-junior, junior, and senior categories. India fields 122 competitors across six categories, with athletes ranging from 10 to 55 years of age.

What the Government Said

Chief Minister Patel said Ahmedabad's rise as a sporting destination was unfolding under the guidance of the Prime Minister. 'Ahmedabad is moving ahead towards becoming a Sports Capital and is preparing in the direction of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games,' he said. He further linked the growth of yoga and sports to the national vision of 'Viksit Bharat @2047', arguing that a disease-free society built through yoga and pranayama was essential to achieving that goal.

Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya drew a pointed comparison: while only 13 countries participated in the first FIFA World Cup, more than 500 competitors from 78 nations are competing in this inaugural Yogasana championship. He confirmed that a decision had already been taken to include Yogasana in the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, and said efforts were underway to secure its inclusion in the 2036 Olympic Games.

Modi's Virtual Address

Inaugurating the championship virtually, Prime Minister Modi described the event as 'a new chapter' in the history of world sports. He welcomed global athletes to Ahmedabad, which he noted was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage City. With the championship falling ahead of International Yoga Day on 21 June, Modi called it a 'double dose' of health and wellness.

Recalling India's successful proposal for International Yoga Day at the United Nations nearly a decade ago — backed by 190 countries — Modi said: 'Yoga, meditation and pranayama have now become part of the daily lives of millions of people worldwide.' He expressed confidence that Yogasana could eventually find a place in the Olympics.

Ahmedabad's Sporting Ambitions

This comes amid a broader push to position Ahmedabad as India's premier sports city. The city already hosts the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world's largest cricket venue by capacity. A confirmed slot for Yogasana at the 2030 Commonwealth Games — should the bid succeed — would significantly raise the city's international sporting profile. Notably, this is the first major international multi-sport event formally linked to Ahmedabad's Commonwealth Games preparations.

If the Olympic inclusion bid for 2036 gains traction, India's role in shaping Yogasana as a globally recognised discipline could mark a defining moment in the sport's evolution. All eyes will now be on the International Olympic Committee's response and the formal Commonwealth Games host city confirmation.