As the world prepares to celebrate the 11th International Yoga Day on June 21, Assam’s Barpeta district took a proactive step by hosting a district-level yoga competition on June 20. The event, aimed at promoting holistic health and community participation, saw 172 yoga enthusiasts compete across various age groups.
Event Draws Wide Participation On Yoga
Organised at a local indoor stadium in Barpeta, the competition featured four distinct categories: under-12, under-18, 18–40, and 40+ age groups. Each participant was evaluated based on flexibility, balance, breathing control, and adherence to traditional yoga postures.
Officials said the enthusiastic turnout reflected growing awareness of yoga’s health benefits, especially among the younger generation. “We were happy to see school students, professionals, and elderly citizens taking equal interest in the event,” said an organiser from the District Sports Office.
Winners to Be Felicitated on June 21
Winners from each category will be honoured on International Yoga Day during a special ceremony hosted by the district administration. The awards will include certificates, yoga kits, and trophies. A mass yoga demonstration is also scheduled on June 21, with hundreds expected to participate.
“Yoga is not just about physical fitness. It is about uniting the mind, body, and spirit. However, events like these create awareness and inspire a lifestyle rooted in wellness,” said a senior yoga instructor present at the event.
Promoting the Theme: ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’
This year’s International Yoga Day theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” — finds strong resonance in Barpeta’s efforts. The competition was designed to highlight the environmental and personal wellness benefits of practicing yoga regularly.
The theme aligns with India’s global message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning ‘the world is one family’, and encourages individuals to take responsibility for their health and the planet’s wellbeing.
Youth and Women Lead Participation In Yoga
Among the 172 participants, a notable number were young girls and women from government and private schools. Furthermore, the youngest participant was just 8 years old. While the eldest was a 68-year-old retired teacher who drew loud applause with her performance in the advanced asana round.
Schools in the area had also conducted preliminar training sessions to help students prepare for the contest. “We held weekly yoga classes in school for two months to prepare. It’s exciting to represent our school at this level,” said a student participant from Barpeta Girls’ High School.
Backed by Local Administration
The event was organised by the Barpeta District Sports Office in collaboration with the Education Department, local yoga institutes, and community health centres. Local officials praised the initiative for bringing together people from different walks of life.
Deputy Commissioner of Barpeta Dr. Sumit Sattawan, who inaugurated the event, said, “Yoga empowers both individuals and communities. Also, with increasing lifestyle diseases, such events promote preventive healthcare. We hope to see even more participation next year.”
Assam’s Broader Yoga Push
Assam has been actively promoting yoga in schools, public health institutions, and rural areas as part of a broader wellness campaign. The state has aligned itself with the central government’s focus on holistic health, especially post-pandemic.
State-level events have also been planned in Guwahati and Dibrugarh to mark International Yoga Day 2025. Officials expect over 50,000 participants across Assam to join in public demonstrations on June 21.
Call to Action
Citizens of Barpeta and beyond are invited to join the district-level celebrations on June 21. Further, mass sessions, free health check-ups, and wellness talks will be hosted at multiple venues.
Stay updated on Assam’s Yoga Day celebrations via AYUSH Ministry website . Join the movement and embrace wellness.
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