NEED OF YOGASANA
as a SPORT
It is believed that yoga competitions began over hundreds of years ago in India. Today several yoga competitions are held all over the world and at various levels.
The concept of Yogasana as a sport is quite promising. As we all know, immemorial yoga has been a way to improve the physical and mental well-being of people of all ages and fitness levels. And now Yogasana as a sport will also preserve India’s rich culture and heritage. Yogasanas keep every muscle in the body engaged. It is a full-body workout and thus is a very effective form of physical activity.
Yogasana as a competitive sport can develop an interest in yoga among people across the world. The Fit India Movement initiated by the Indian Government has gained impetus and the Government has promoted yoga as a healthy practice to stay fit. Since the inception of International Yoga Day, the growth prospect for Yoga has been immense.
Yogasana as a sport may not be welcomed by some yoga practitioners, at the early stages of the inception, but gradually, it will be further integrated with the athletic and will be seen as a way to have a healthy and competitive life. However, even in the history of Indian mythology, there existed competitions and thus Yogasana as a sport will be accepted easily. And in modern times when physical fitness is being given importance, promoting Yogasana as a sport will increase participation and preserve the rich culture it has a base with.
Yoga organizations and institutions worldwide have been campaigning to turn yoga asana into a competitive sport. Despite yoga having strong roots in India, it is extremely popular in the west. The demand for yoga is growing in Europe and America.
Yogasanaas an Olympic event would create a widespread opportunity for expanding awareness of yoga and its myriad health benefits.