Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on 26 May 2026 officially launched the first-ever World Yogasana Championship (WYC) 2026 in New Delhi, marking a landmark moment in India's push to establish Yogasana as a globally recognised competitive sport. The unveiling, held in the presence of federation leaders, introduced the championship's logo, trophy, official jersey, and mascot — Veer the lion.

Championship Details and Venue

The WYC 2026 is scheduled from 4 to 8 June 2026 at Eka Arena in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. More than 60 countries are set to participate, with delegations confirmed from Uganda, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Japan, Oman, Mauritius, and the Netherlands, among others. The event will feature competitive categories including Traditional Yogasana, Artistic Yogasana, Rhythmic Pairs, and Team Events, with athletes competing across junior, youth, and elite divisions under internationally recognised rules.

Institutional Backing

The championship is supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Ministry of Ayush, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Sports Authority of Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism, and the Gujarat Yogasana Sports Association. The multi-ministry backing signals the Centre's intent to position Yogasana within the framework of formal international sports governance.

What the Government Said

Speaking at the launch, Mandaviya said, 'India gifted yoga to the world under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the nation is now leading the movement to establish Yogasana as a globally recognised competitive sport. The championship is a fantastic step towards global expansion of our sport that is a gateway to the Yoga Way of Life. I welcome all countries to India and am confident that this championship will pave a pathway to a new Yogasana sporting economy.'

Jaideep Arya, Secretary General of World Yogasana and Yogasana Bharat, said, 'There are more than 60 countries joining this movement and the enthusiasm and response is growing rapidly. Our vision is not only to organise championships, but also to establish Yogasana as a sporting discipline rooted in India's ancient wisdom, while aligning modern sports governance and international standards.'

Udit Sheth, President of Yogasana Bharat, described the championship as 'the beginning of a global sporting movement born in India and packaged for the world with modern teaching, scoring and broadcasting systems.' Sanjay Malpani, President of Asian Yogasana and Vice President of World Yogasana, added that the event 'will inspire an entire generation to view Yogasana not only as wellness, but also as sport, performance, and international competition.'

The Olympic Ambition

A central objective of the WYC is to advance Yogasana's case for inclusion in major international multi-sport events, including the Olympics. Organisers argue that establishing a credible championship circuit — with standardised judging, scoring, and broadcasting — is a prerequisite for any Olympic recognition bid. This is the first time Yogasana has been structured as a standalone global competitive championship, making the Ahmedabad edition a foundational event in that longer journey.

As June 2026 approaches, India's sporting and diplomatic machinery is converging on Gujarat to host what organisers describe as more than a competition — a cultural and athletic statement about India's place in the emerging global wellness economy.