By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 20 Dec: Official sources in the state government have claimed that the campaign to include Yoga in the Olympic Games is set to gain significant momentum from Uttarakhand with the inclusion of Yoga as a sport in the 38th National Games. The National Games are to be hosted by Uttarakhand. The inclusion of Yoga in the National Games marks a historic step towards this goal. It is a moment of dual pride for Uttarakhand, not only for hosting the National Games for the first time but also for introducing Yoga as an official sport in these games.
The central government has been actively advocating Yoga’s inclusion in the Olympic Games. Efforts are underway to introduce Yoga as a demonstration sport in the next Olympics, with a vision to recognise it as a medal category sport by the 2036 Games. The formal inclusion of Yoga in the 38th National Games is being seen as a milestone, providing a strong platform for effective lobbying at the international level.
General Secretary of Uttarakhand Olympic Association, DK Singh, attributed this achievement to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who had strongly advocated for the inclusion of Yoga with the Indian Olympic Association. Singh claimed that the Chief Minister’s persistent efforts have made it possible for Yoga to be included in the National Games. Until now, despite India’s demands for Yoga’s inclusion in the Olympics, it was not a part of the national games. This significant step is expected to strengthen India’s case with the International Olympic Association.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the global acceptance of Yoga has seen a remarkable increase. As the brand ambassador of Yoga, Prime Minister Modi has promoted its benefits on international platforms, particularly through the establishment of International Yoga Day, which has gained global prominence. The Central Sports and Youth Welfare Department has also created a dedicated Yoga Federation to support these efforts and further the campaign for Yoga’s inclusion in the Olympics.
In a landmark development, the inclusion of Yoga and Mallakhamb in the National Games was formally announced by Indian Olympic Association President, PT Usha, during the mascot ceremony held in Dehradun. A formal letter has been received by Uttarakhand for the inclusion of these sports. The Director of Competition (DOC) team is expected to visit Uttarakhand in the coming days to oversee preparations in this respect.
Yoga competitions will be held in Almora, while Khatima has been selected as the venue for Mallakhamb. Commenting on the development, CM Dhami expressed his gratitude, stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yoga has achieved global recognition. He added that hosting the 38th National Games with Yoga as a featured sport would undoubtedly strengthen efforts to include Yoga in the Olympics. He further added that this landmark initiative is not just a victory for Uttarakhand but also a step forward for yoga enthusiasts worldwide. With these developments, the dream of seeing Yoga as an Olympic sport moves closer to reality.
