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Nabila Sol Barraza, hailing from the same village as football icon Lionel Messi in Argentina, shares a deep passion for the sport of Yogasana. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Tan Leong An from Singapore works as a network engineer. Despite their diverse backgrounds, both athletes are united by their enthusiasm for Yogasana, an ancient Indian practice that is rapidly gaining traction as a competitive sport. The inaugural World Yogasana Championships, taking place at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, has drawn over 400 competitors from more than 60 nations. The vibrant atmosphere, featuring participants aged between 13 and 55 showcasing their strength and flexibility, has significantly raised the profile of the sport and its Olympic aspirations.

Support for Olympic Aspirations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to elevate Yogasana on a global stage and pave the way for its inclusion in the Olympics has garnered immense support. This inaugural championship has not only attracted Indian athletes but also global practitioners who appreciate yoga's rich heritage. During the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister referred to Yogasana as 'India's timeless gift to humanity.' Participants unanimously acknowledged the role of yoga in enhancing their mindfulness and tranquility in daily life.

Barraza's Journey from Messi's Village to Yoga Medals

Barraza, who has already secured a gold and silver medal in the competition, described her experience at the World Championship as unmatched. 'This event serves as a significant platform for promoting yoga worldwide, and the organizers have excelled in their efforts. I discovered yogasana during my time in India while pursuing a career in Bollywood dance. My fascination with yoga led me to learn it in Nashik and Rishikesh before returning to Argentina. Competing in such events will undoubtedly aid in the sport's growth in my country, and I am thrilled to have won medals,' she expressed as the sole Argentine competitor.

Nathaniel's Historic Achievement for Singapore

Nathaniel made history by becoming the first non-Indian athlete to clinch a gold medal at the world yoga championships, winning in the Traditional Yogasana category. He emphasized that yogasana is widely embraced in Singapore as a means of fitness and mindfulness. 'This championship has been a remarkable experience for me and my team. We've formed friendships and received valuable insights from fellow participants, and I am optimistic about increased participation in future events,' he remarked.

Pushing for Standardization in Yoga Practices

Ameya Krishna B, representing the Netherlands but originally from India, highlighted that 'yogasana' is often associated with India in Europe. He believes that the World Championships will initiate a much-needed standardization of yoga practices globally. 'There are over 200 registered yoga centers in the Netherlands, but many have blended yoga with body-conditioning workouts. The inaugural World Yogasana Championships is a fantastic initiative to establish standards for various asanas while introducing a competitive aspect,' stated Ameya, a scientist who has practiced yoga for over twenty years.

Inspiring Yogasana in Mauritius

Chetnaa Reesaul, an athlete of Indian descent from Mauritius, shared that the world championships provided her with the chance to travel beyond her island nation. 'Yogasana has gained significant attention in Mauritius, and we plan to celebrate Yoga Day in schools on June 18, with inter-school competitions scheduled for that day. Competing in the world championships has allowed us to learn about different cultures and practices, which has been an enriching experience,' she concluded.