The Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) Executive Board has taken a significant step toward including yoga in the Asian Games. This decision came after India’s request for the recognition of yoga as a competitive sport. IOA president PT Usha expressed her delight with the news, thanking OCA acting president Randhir Singh for his support.
Usha stated, “I am delighted that the OCA Executive Board spontaneously agreed to India’s request to give yoga the recognition it deserves.” The proposal will now move through the OCA’s Sports Committee before reaching the General Assembly for final confirmation.
An IOA source clarified that this is only the first step in the process. The OCA General Assembly will ultimately decide whether yoga will be included as a medal sport or a demonstration sport. Despite this uncertainty, the IOA remains hopeful that yoga will be recognized as a medal sport in the future, given its widespread popularity worldwide.
Usha emphasized that this was a natural progression for the competitive sports community to embrace yoga, considering its global recognition and benefits. She extended her gratitude to the new Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for his efforts in advocating for yoga’s inclusion.
Mandaviya had previously expressed his support, stating that “It is only fair that in keeping with its wide popularity, yoga becomes a competitive sport and is in the Asian Games.” The Sports Ministry has already granted recognition to Yogasana Bharat, an organization dedicated to promoting and developing Yogasana as a competitive sport in India.
