Yoga Federation of India to seek fresh IOA recognition after Delhi HC verdict
Synopsis
The Delhi High Court has invalidated Yogasana Bharat's status as the national sports federation for Yogasana — and the 50-year-old Yoga Federation of India is moving fast to fill the vacuum. With meetings sought with IOA chief P. T. Usha and Sports Minister Mandaviya, and Asian Championship 2027 preparations already underway, this is as much a governance battle as a sporting one.
Key Takeaways
The Delhi High Court set aside Yogasana Bharat's recognition as the National Sports Federation for Yogasana, ordering a fresh process under the National Sports Development Code .
The Yoga Federation of India (YFI) , founded in 1974 , will apply for fresh recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and seek IOA affiliation restoration.
YFI plans meetings with IOA President Smt.
Usha and Union Minister Dr.
Mansukh Mandaviya to present its development vision.
YFI Secretary General Dr.
Abhinav Joshi alleged the earlier process was 'hijacked by Patanjali yoga,' leading the Federation to withdraw.
Preparations for the 11th Asian Yoga Championship 2027 , involving 17 Asian countries , are already underway despite the ongoing recognition dispute.
The Yoga Federation of India (YFI), one of India's oldest bodies promoting competitive Yogasana, has announced it will formally apply for fresh recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and seek restoration of its affiliation with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), following a landmark ruling by the Delhi High Court. The court recently set aside the recognition granted to Yogasana Bharat as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for Yogasana, directing the Ministry to conduct a fresh, transparent, and legally compliant recognition process under the National Sports Development Code.
Background: What the Delhi HC Ruling Changes
The Delhi High Court's order invalidates Yogasana Bharat's status as the designated NSF for Yogasana — a position it had held following the Government of India's 2019 initiative to formally recognise Yogasana as a competitive sport. The court directed authorities to restart the recognition process from scratch, opening the door for all eligible organisations to apply afresh. The YFI views the ruling as a milestone for transparency and good governance in Indian sports administration.
YFI's Immediate Roadmap
In compliance with the court's directions, the YFI will submit its application to the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and simultaneously initiate the process of restoring its IOA affiliation. The Federation has also announced plans to seek meetings with Smt. P. T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, to present its long-term vision for Yogasana development.
Established in 1974, the YFI has over five decades of experience organising district, state, and national championships, developing technical standards, and training athletes and officials. It considers this track record central to its case for recognition.
What the Federation Leaders Said
Dr. Anirudh Gupta, President of the Yoga Federation of India, said: 'The Hon'ble Delhi High Court's judgment presents an important opportunity to strengthen the future of Yogasana through transparency, credibility, and good governance. The Yoga Federation of India will fully participate in the fresh recognition process and initiate the restoration of its affiliation with the Indian Olympic Association. Our focus remains firmly on our athletes. Preparations for the 11th Asian Yoga Championship 2027 are already underway, and we are committed to building a strong Indian team while working with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the Indian Olympic Association, and all stakeholders to establish India as the global leader in competitive Yogasana.'
Dr. Abhinav Joshi, Secretary General of the YFI, was more pointed in his remarks. He said the 2019 unification process 'did not ultimately deliver the broad-based, inclusive, and democratic governance that many long-standing yoga organisations had expected,' adding that the process was, in his words, 'hijacked by Patanjali yoga, and now Yogasana Bharat has become Yogasana Patanjali.' The Federation had consequently withdrawn from that process. Joshi urged the Ministry to ensure the new recognition exercise is 'transparent, impartial, and strictly in accordance with the National Sports Development Code.'
Asian Championship 2027: Preparations Already Underway
Even as the recognition dispute moves through official channels, the YFI says its primary focus remains athlete welfare and international competition. Preparations have already commenced for the 11th Asian Yoga Championship 2027, organised by the Asian Yoga Federation, which is expected to draw national federations from 17 Asian countries. The YFI has begun identifying, selecting, and preparing an Indian contingent for the continental championship.
What Happens Next
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports must now design and implement a fresh recognition process compliant with the National Sports Development Code. Multiple organisations, including the YFI, are expected to apply. The outcome will determine which body governs competitive Yogasana in India — and, by extension, which federation represents Indian athletes at international events. The YFI expressed confidence that a fair process will ultimately benefit Indian Yoga Sports and its athletes.
Point of View
Meant to create a single credible NSF, instead produced a contested body that a court has now struck down. The YFI's allegation that the process was captured by Patanjali interests is serious and on the record; the Ministry has not publicly responded to it. The real test is whether the fresh recognition process avoids the same capture risks — closed-door deliberations, unequal access, and criteria that favour incumbents. With the Asian Championship 2027 on the horizon, Indian athletes cannot afford another protracted governance dispute.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Delhi High Court rule on Yogasana Bharat?
The Delhi High Court set aside the recognition granted to Yogasana Bharat as the National Sports Federation for Yogasana and directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to conduct a fresh, transparent recognition process under the National Sports Development Code. The ruling opens the field to all eligible organisations, including the Yoga Federation of India.
What is the Yoga Federation of India and when was it founded?
The Yoga Federation of India (YFI) is one of India's oldest organisations dedicated to competitive Yogasana, established in 1974. Over five decades, it has organised district, state, and national championships, developed technical standards, and trained athletes and officials across the country.
Why did the Yoga Federation of India withdraw from the 2019 recognition process?
According to YFI Secretary General Dr. Abhinav Joshi, the 2019 process did not deliver the broad-based, inclusive, and democratic governance that long-standing yoga organisations had expected. He alleged the process was 'hijacked by Patanjali yoga,' leading the YFI to withdraw. The Delhi HC ruling has now invalidated the outcome of that process.
What is the 11th Asian Yoga Championship 2027?
The 11th Asian Yoga Championship 2027 is a continental competition organised by the Asian Yoga Federation, expected to feature national federations from 17 Asian countries. The YFI has already begun identifying and preparing an Indian contingent, stating that athlete welfare remains its primary focus regardless of the ongoing recognition dispute.
Who will decide which body governs Yogasana in India going forward?
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports will conduct a fresh recognition process as directed by the Delhi High Court. The process must comply with the National Sports Development Code and be open to all eligible applicants. The YFI has also sought meetings with IOA President Smt. P. T. Usha and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya as part of its restoration efforts.
