Ahmedabad Hosts First World Yogasana Championship

The first World Yogasana Championship was held from 4 June to 8 June 2026 at EKA Arena, also known as TransStadia, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the event on 4 June 2026. The championship was organised by Yogasana Bharat in association with World Yogasana and the Indian Olympic Association, with support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Ministry of Ayush.

World Yogasana as a Competitive Sport

Yogasana refers to the practice of physical postures in yoga, and competitive Yogasana uses judged routines based on balance, flexibility, strength, and control. The first World Yogasana Championship was conducted as an international multi-country event with athletes from 79 countries and a final participation total of 522 competitors.

Venue and Organising Framework

EKA Arena is a sports venue in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and it has also been referred to as TransStadia. Yogasana Bharat is the national body associated with Yogasana in India, while World Yogasana functions as the international governing association for the sport. The Indian Olympic Association is the recognised National Olympic Committee for India under the Olympic Movement.

Medal Tally and Notable Performances

India finished first in the medal standings with 114 medals, including 102 gold, 9 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Japan finished second with 3 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medals, and Argentina finished third with 2 gold and 3 silver medals through athlete Nabila Barraza. BSF athlete Satis Samble Tanaji won gold in the 35–45 Years Men’s Category in the Twisting Body Individual Event, and Pune’s Niral Wadekar won two gold medals by the final day.

Important Facts for Exams

• Yogasana is linked to the broader Indian tradition of yoga, which is listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• The International Day of Yoga is observed every year on 21 June.
• The Indian Olympic Association was founded in 1927 and is based in New Delhi.
• Ahmedabad has hosted major international sports events at venues such as EKA Arena and Narendra Modi Stadium.

International Participation

The championship included athletes from 79 countries, which placed it among the larger international Yogasana competitions held in India. The event was conducted over five days from 4 June to 8 June 2026.