The shift to sport
Ever feel like your morning vinyasa flow is missing… high-stakes drama? If you have, you’re not alone. While most of us hit the mat to escape the chaos of the day, a global movement is working hard to turn yoga into a competitive sport—with its eyes locked on the 2036 Olympics.
At the recent inaugural World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad, over 500 participants showed off their best poses, complete with rhinestones, driving bhangra beats, and, yes, a 269-page rulebook. Udit Sheth, the man behind Yogasana Bharat, argues that by focusing on 'yogasana'—just the physical postures—they are creating a new avenue for athletes to shine.
Is it giving... sports?
Think of it as gymnastics, but static. Athletes are judged on difficulty, balance, and control, with some categories requiring them to hold a pose for 60 seconds. Sheth is convinced that this 'packaging' of ancient heritage will get Gen Z and younger generations hyped about yoga, even if it feels a bit weird to some.
But let’s be real, the community is divided. UK-based yoga teacher Divya Kohli called the idea of judging spiritual practice 'horrifying' and 'madness,' noting that yoga is meant to be about killing the ego, not seeking external validation.
The roadmap to the Games
There are still major hurdles. Yogasana Bharat recently lost its national recognition after a Delhi high court ruling, and the sport still needs more international affiliates to satisfy the International Olympic Committee. Even in the UK, the scene is still super niche, with local championships seeing only around 20 participants. Sam Cruickshank, president of the Great Britain Yoga Sports Federation, encourages people to view it as a demonstration rather than a cutthroat contest.
Why it matters
It’s a classic case of 'to each their own.' While competition can be a great way to push personal boundaries, it clashes hard with the traditional, internal vibes of yoga. Whether this becomes the next big Olympic event or just stays a niche interest, the debate reminds us that how you define your practice—and why you do it—is totally up to you.
