Ahmedabad : For hundreds of young athletes competing at the inaugural World Yogasana Championships in Ahmedabad, the event is about much more than winning medals. It is about being part of a growing global movement that they hope will one day take Yogasana to the Olympic stage.
The championship, which has brought together athletes from over 60 countries, has provided a unique platform for young participants to compete at an international level while sharing a common dreamto see Yogasana recognized among the world’s premier sporting disciplines.
Among them is 12-year-old AaryaChelumbrun from Mauritius, who is participating in her first major international event. For Aarya, competing in India has been an unforgettable experience.
“I have watched athletes from many countries perform here. It makes me feel that Yogasana is becoming bigger every year. I hope one day we can compete in the Olympics,” she said.
Another Mauritian athlete, 13-year-old GanishaBajah, echoed the sentiment. Having trained for years to perfect difficult postures and routines, she believes the world championship demonstrates that Yogasana possesses the discipline, skill and competitiveness required of an international sport.
“When you see athletes from so many countries competing under the same rules, it feels like a world-class sporting event. I would love to represent my country at the Olympics if Yogasana gets that opportunity in the future,” Ganisha said.
For 19-year-old ChethnaaReesaul, who competed in the senior category, the championship has been both a learning experience and a source of inspiration.
“Meeting athletes from different parts of the world has shown me how fast the sport is growing. Everyone here is working hard and taking Yogasana seriously. That gives us confidence that the sport has a bright future,” she said.
The optimism extends beyond the Mauritian contingent, Young athletes from different Indian states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka described the championship as a milestone moment for Yogasana. Many said they had never before experienced a competition of such international scale.
Several participants noted that the event has transformed perceptions of Yogasana. Once viewed primarily as a wellness activity, it is increasingly being recognized as a competitive discipline demanding years of training, flexibility, balance, endurance and mental focus.
Coaches accompanying the athletes said the championship has given young practitioners a goal to aspire to and demonstrated that international opportunities now exist within the sport.
The event also highlighted the dedication required to compete at the highest level. Many athletes balance demanding academic schedules with daily training sessions that often extend for several hours. Participants spoke of early morning practice routines, strict fitness regimens and years of preparation leading up to the championship.
For athletes such as Dakshesh Sai, the experience of competing alongside participants from different continents has strengthened his belief that Yogasana can emerge as a truly global sport.
“This championship shows that people from different cultures and countries are connected through Yogasana. The sport is growing, and I believe it can reach even greater heights in the future,” he said.
Sports officials and organisers view the championship as a significant step in expanding Yogasana’s international footprint. The presence of athletes from across the world, combined with standardized judging systems and competitive categories, reflects efforts to position the discipline alongside other internationally recognised sports.
Beyond the competition arena, the championship has fostered cultural exchange and friendships among young athletes. Participants have spent time learning about different countries, sharing experiences and building connections that extend beyond sport.
Parents and coaches said these interactions are among the most valuable outcomes of the event, helping young athletes gain confidence and broaden their perspectives.
As the championship progresses, medals remain an important objective. Yet for many competitors, the larger achievement lies in being part of a historic first edition that could shape the future of the sport.
For Aarya, Ganisha, Chethnaa, Dakshesh and hundreds of other young athletes gathered in Ahmedabad, the dream is clear. They hope that the World Yogasana Championships will serve as a stepping stone toward greater international recognition and, eventually, Olympic inclusion.
Whether that dream becomes reality remains to be seen. But for the young athletes who have travelled from different corners of the world to Ahmedabad, the journey has already begun. Their performances are not only a celebration of skill and discipline but also a reflection of a generation determined to see Yogasana claim its place on the global sporting map.
