Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said Yogasana has the potential to emerge as a major international sporting discipline. He urged Indian athletes to prepare themselves for competitions at the highest global level.
The chief minister made the remarks while inaugurating the 38th National Yogasana Championship 2026 at Khuman Lampak Main Indoor Stadium in Imphal.
He said Yogasana, rooted in India’s ancient traditions, had gained a global presence. He also expressed hope that the discipline could eventually become part of the Olympic Games.
The championship will continue from October 2 to 4. It also serves as a selection trial for India’s team for the 12th World Yogasana Championship, scheduled to take place in Thailand in 2027.
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Khemchand Urges Athletes to Prepare for Global Competitions
Addressing athletes and officials, Khemchand called for systematic preparation and sustained efforts to achieve success at international competitions.
He said Indian Yogasana players should prepare themselves both mentally and physically. He encouraged them to aim for strong performances at world championships and other international events.
The chief minister also drew a comparison with hockey. He said India’s long association with the sport had not always translated into consistent success at the highest level.
Through this example, he highlighted the importance of regular training and long-term preparation.
Khemchand said athletes must begin preparing for the global sporting stage now if they want to achieve success in the future.
National Yogasana Championship Begins in Imphal
The 38th National Yogasana Championship is being organised by the Manipur Yoga Society in collaboration with the All-India Yoga Culture Federation.
The event brings together participants from different states across India.
Alongside the championship, organisers are conducting selection trials for the Indian team for the 12th World Yogasana Championship 2027 in Thailand.
The event carries the theme “Yogasana for Health, Harmony and National Unity.”
The championship aims to provide athletes with a platform to demonstrate their skills and compete at the national level.
CM Highlights Yoga’s Global Recognition
Khemchand recalled the growing international recognition of Yoga following the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the International Day of Yoga in 2014.
He referred to the initiative that led to the observance of June 21 as International Yoga Day.
The chief minister also spoke about his association with Yoga since 2014. He said he had participated in efforts to promote the practice at the grassroots level.
He recalled programmes that created awareness about Yoga and its benefits for the body and mind.
Khemchand stressed that Yoga should not be viewed merely as physical exercise. He described it as a practice that supports overall well-being.
Sanskrit and India’s Ancient Knowledge Traditions
The chief minister also spoke about India’s ancient knowledge traditions, including Sanskrit.
He said the classical language had attracted interest beyond India, including in academic and technological circles in Europe.
Khemchand referred to Sanskrit’s structure and vocabulary while discussing its relevance in modern academic and technological contexts.
He connected this discussion with the wider international interest in India’s traditional knowledge systems.
Athletes Asked to Carry Message of Peace from Manipur
Welcoming participants from different states, Khemchand urged them to carry a message of peace from Manipur when they return home.
He appealed to the athletes to share a positive message about the state and its people.
The chief minister also interacted with participants and wished them success in the championship and selection trials.
Manipur’s Home and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam also attended the opening ceremony.
He spoke about Yoga’s role in promoting physical fitness, discipline, concentration, mental balance and perseverance.
Yogasana’s International Sporting Aspirations
The championship comes amid efforts to expand Yogasana’s presence as a competitive sport.
The upcoming World Yogasana Championship in Thailand will provide another international platform for athletes.
Khemchand’s remarks placed emphasis on preparation, international exposure and the long-term development of the discipline.
He called on Indian athletes to work towards competing at the highest level, including the possibility of future Olympic participation.
Yogasana is not currently an Olympic sport. Its potential inclusion in major international sporting events remains a future aspiration.
The three-day national championship in Imphal will continue until October 4, with athletes also competing for places in India’s team for the 2027 world championship.
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