Yoga Day 2026: MoS Raksha Khadse leads SAI Mumbai celebrations in Kandivali
Synopsis
Minister of State Raksha Khadse joined over 300 athletes and officials at SAI's Kandivali centre for International Day of Yoga 2026, calling meditation 'the key to life' and urging sportspersons to make yoga a daily discipline — framing it as a tool for competitive edge, not just wellness.
Key Takeaways
MoS Raksha Khadse participated in International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations at the SAI regional centre, Kandivali, Mumbai on 21 June 2026 .
More than 300 athletes, coaches, officials and yoga enthusiasts attended the event.
The programme featured a Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session with postures, breathing exercises and meditation.
Khadse said yoga improves concentration, flexibility, recovery and mental preparedness for athletes.
Former Lok Sabha members Dr Heena Gavit and Dr Pritam Gopinath Munde also attended and encouraged daily yoga practice.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse on Sunday, 21 June 2026 participated in the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 celebrations at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) regional centre in Kandivali, Mumbai, underscoring yoga's role in physical fitness, mental resilience and emotional balance. The event drew more than 300 athletes, coaches, officials, support staff and yoga enthusiasts.
How the Celebrations Unfolded
The programme opened with a Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session, during which participants performed yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation practices under expert guidance. A mass yoga demonstration followed, reinforcing themes of unity, discipline and collective well-being. Special demonstrations also highlighted the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of the ancient practice and its relevance across all age groups.
What the Minister Said
Addressing the gathering, Khadse described yoga as far more than a fitness regimen. 'Meditation is the key to life, and yoga is essential for achieving it. Yoga is not only a practice for physical fitness but also a pathway towards mental peace, inner balance and overall well-being,' she said. The minister encouraged young people and athletes to integrate yoga and meditation into their daily routines, noting that yoga complements sporting excellence by improving concentration, flexibility, recovery and mental preparedness.
Who Attended
Former Lok Sabha members Dr Heena Gavit and Dr Pritam Gopinath Munde were present and urged participants to adopt yoga as a daily practice. SAI Regional Centre Mumbai Regional Director Pandurang Chate (IRS) also attended alongside coaches, officials and support staff.
Broader Context
The event was organised in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of promoting yoga on a global scale. The United Nations recognition of the International Day of Yoga has helped transform the practice into a worldwide movement centred on health, harmony and holistic well-being. This year's SAI Mumbai celebrations reinforced India's continued commitment to positioning yoga as its contribution to global wellness.
Point of View
Not just a mass wellness ritual. Khadse's emphasis on concentration, recovery and mental preparedness aligns with the broader push to integrate traditional practices into India's high-performance sports ecosystem. Whether SAI centres will institutionalise structured yoga training beyond annual events, however, remains to be seen.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations held in Mumbai?
The celebrations were held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) regional centre in Kandivali, Mumbai, on 21 June 2026. The event was attended by more than 300 athletes, coaches, officials and yoga enthusiasts.
Who is Raksha Khadse and why was she at the Yoga Day event?
Raksha Khadse is the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports. She participated in the IDY 2026 event at SAI Mumbai in her official capacity, highlighting yoga's benefits for athletes and encouraging its integration into daily sporting routines.
What is the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP)?
The Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) is a standardised sequence of yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation practices used in official International Day of Yoga events across India. It was followed at the SAI Kandivali event under expert guidance.
Which former parliamentarians attended the SAI Mumbai Yoga Day event?
Former Lok Sabha members Dr Heena Gavit and Dr Pritam Gopinath Munde attended the celebrations and encouraged participants to adopt yoga as a regular part of daily life.
Why does the Sports Ministry promote yoga for athletes?
According to Minister Khadse, yoga complements sporting excellence by improving concentration, flexibility, physical recovery and mental preparedness. The ministry views yoga as a holistic discipline that enhances competitive performance alongside conventional training.
