Ahmedabad : For decades, yoga was largely associated with wellness centres, spiritual retreats and personal well-being. Today, a growing number of yoga practitioners and trainers believe India’s efforts to promote Yogasana as a competitive sport are creating unprecedented opportunities for thousands who have dedicated their lives to the ancient discipline.
The ongoing World Yogasana Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, which has brought together hundreds of athletes and students from across the globe, is being viewed by many in the yoga community as evidence of a major transformation underway, one that is turning yoga into a viable sporting career while generating new avenues for employment, coaching and international recognition.
Across the championship venue, conversations among athletes, coaches and trainers revolved around a common theme: the emergence of Yogasana as a structured sport has given a fresh sense of purpose and optimism to those who once struggled to find professional opportunities in the field.
TriptiDongre, a Yogasana athlete participating in the championship, said India’s efforts to institutionalise the sport have inspired a new generation.
“Earlier, many talented practitioners had limited platforms to showcase their skills. Today, there are state-level, national and international competitions. Young athletes can now dream of representing their country through Yogasana, just like any other sport,” she said.
The transformation has been driven by sustained efforts to popularise yoga both nationally and internationally. Practitioners say the global visibility generated through International Yoga Day celebrations and competitive Yogasana events has elevated the discipline far beyond its traditional image.
For yoga trainers, the change is translating into growing demand for specialised coaching.
Rohit Sharma, a Yogasana coach from Maharashtra who has trained several national-level athletes, said the sport’s rise has created a new ecosystem.
“Ten years ago, parents encouraged children to learn yoga mainly for health benefits. Today, many approach us with the goal of competitive participation. This shift has increased opportunities for coaches, judges, trainers and sports administrators,” he said.
According to practitioners, the recognition of Yogasana as a sport has also encouraged scientific training methods, professional certifications and structured talent development programmes.
Salha Hakeem, who is President of Yogana Associationin Oman said the growing popularity of competitions has brought legitimacy to a profession that often lacked institutional support.
“Many yoga teachers struggled to build sustainable careers. Competitive Yogasana has changed perceptions. Students now see yoga as both a passion and a profession,” she said.
The impact is particularly visible among young practitioners, many of whom see Yogasana as a pathway to national and international recognition.
At the championship venue, 17-year-old athlete Karan Patel said the emergence of international competitions had motivated him to pursue the discipline more seriously.
“When we see athletes competing for medals and representing India, it creates a sense of ambition. It tells young people that hard work in Yogasana can lead to real opportunities,” he said.
Experts believe India’s promotion of Yogasana is also strengthening the country’s soft power by showcasing an ancient tradition through a modern sporting framework.
Dr Mahi Pal, who is training students in Behrainattending the event, said the movement carries significance beyond competition.
“India is not only promoting yoga as a wellness practice but also creating a global sporting ecosystem around it. This generates employment, encourages fitness and preserves a cultural heritage in a form that appeals to younger generations,” he said.
Dr Mahi said the championship has also highlighted growing international interest in Yogasana, with participants from multiple countries competing alongside Indian athletes. Organisers say such events are helping create a global community of practitioners while reinforcing India’s leadership role in the discipline.
As athletes compete for medals in Ahmedabad, the larger story unfolding behind the championship is one of transformation. What was once viewed primarily as a personal wellness practice is steadily evolving into a competitive sport, creating new opportunities for trainers and practitioners and offering a fresh ray of hope to a community that believes its time has finally arrived.
For many trainers present in Ahmedabad, however, the most important outcome is the hope being generated among thousands of yoga instructors working in schools, academies and local training centres across the country.
“Earlier, many practitioners wondered what the future held for them,” said coach Rohit Sharma. “Now there is a pathway. There are competitions, scholarships, coaching opportunities and international exposure. People can finally see a future in this field.”
