Gujarat : Ahmedabad Hosts Historic First World Yoga Championship 2026

Ahmedabad | Gujarat —  A landmark moment in the sporting and cultural history of India is being witnessed in Ahmedabad as the inaugural World Yoga Championship (WYC) 2026 is being held from June 4 to June 8. The event is being inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking what is being viewed as a major step toward securing international recognition for Yogasana as a competitive sport.

More than 400 athletes from over 60 countries, including the United States, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and Iran, have been brought together for the five-day championship. Skills and precision will be showcased in Traditional Yoga, Artistic Yoga, Rhythmic Pair Yoga and Team Yoga events.

A strong contingent of 122 athletes has been fielded by India. Participants between the ages of 10 and 55 years have been selected across six age categories, including sub-junior, junior and senior divisions. Medals will be contested by competitors representing nations from across the globe.

To ensure fairness and transparency, a globally advanced electronic scoring system has been introduced for the first time in a Yogasana championship of this scale. Judging and evaluation are being carried out by a panel comprising 32 international judges and 51 national judges.

Addressing the gathering, Swami Ramdev said, “The first World Yogasana Championship is a grand celebration of yoga. Despite global conflicts and tensions, countries from across the world, including Iran, have come together in the spirit of yoga.”

Meanwhile, Udit Sheth described the championship as a proud moment for India.

“The world is ready for Yogasana. This is a rapidly growing sport and a major opportunity for young athletes. The overwhelming international participation reflects the growing acceptance of Yogasana globally,” Sheth said.