IOA President PT Usha highlighted the growing international attraction of the traditional Indian discipline and its advantages for promoting both physical and mental wellness. Yoga will now be a competitive sport at the Asian Games thanks to major efforts made by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
This followed India’s announcement that, should it win the privilege to organize the event, it will evaluate including Yoga in the Asian Games to the schedule for the 2036 Olympic Games.
IOA President P T Usha has sent a letter of request for the inclusion of yoga to Raja Randhir Singh, President of the Olympic Council of Asia. She emphasized the growing popularity of this age-old Indian discipline worldwide as well as its advantages for promoting both physical and mental wellness.
“The world celebrated the 10th International Day of Yog on 21 June, and the response to its universal appeal has been overwhelming,” Usha noted in her letter. “People across nations have embraced yoga and have drawn its benefits. I am confident that as the spiritual home of yog and as Vishwaguru, India can campaign for the inclusion of the sport in the Asian Games and eventually the OG as well.”
Prior to the Olympics next month, Usha also noted the Louvre Museum in Paris, which would provide guest yoga sessions with instructors. Through this program, yoga will be able to gain international recognition and respect as a cultural and spiritual practice in addition to being a type of exercise.
The Louvre’s acceptance of yoga is encouraging. It is our duty to bring attention to the sport by securing its inclusion in the Olympic and Asian Games,” Usha stated, emphasizing the significance of this endeavor for the international sports community.
The IOA’s request is being made at a time when yoga is becoming more and more popular all across the world. Major sporting events like the Olympics and the Asian Games might feature yoga, which could further highlight its advantages and encourage a greater understanding of this age-old discipline.
