Yoga’s Evolution from Wellness to Competitive Sport (Photo Feature) 

SP Upreti 

Nepal Yoga Sports Federation concluded the 7th National Yogasana Sports Championship on Saturday in the federal capital, Kathmandu. A total of 246 yoga sports players, both male and female, from across the country participated in the contest, representing their respective provinces. The competition was conducted separately for male and female. 

The Yogasana championship featured various age groups, ranging from sub-junior to senior levels: 10-14, 14-18, 18-28, 28-35, 35-45, 45-55 and over 55 years. Players demonstrated five postures based on five groups of Yogasana: forward bending, backward bending, body twist, hand balance and leg balance. Based on their postures exhibition, participants were evaluated out of 50 marks, with 10 marks allotted for each posture. Competitors were required to hold each posture statically for at least 15 seconds. 

Similarly, artistic yogasana performances were also included in the event. 

Winners received medals, certificates and cash prizes. Additionally, this year’s Mr. Yogi and Ms. Yogini titles were determined through further competition among the gold medalists from their respective age groups. 

The Nepal Yoga Sports Federation was registered under the National Sports Council on Magh 23, 2073 BS. It is also a member of the International Yoga Sports Federation and Asian Yoga Sports Federation. To date, the federation has organized three South Asian Yoga Sports Championships and six national-level competitions. 

Nepali Yoga Sports Players have achieved notable success internationally in yoga sports, securing two gold medals, one silver medal and three bronze medals at the 16th International Yoga Sports Championship held in Malaysia from April 5-6, 2025.

Traditionally regarded as spiritual or wellness practice, yoga has now evolved into a competitive sport, enabling athletes to win medals at national and international levels.  

Chairman of the Federation Dr. Suryaraj Karki, emphasized that organizing Yogasana Sports Championships helps promote Nepal’s traditional culture worldwide. “This is our 7th National Championship, we have been organizing the event continuously to promote the importance of yoga among the youths”, he said. 

Similarly, general Secretary of the Nepal Yoga Sports Federation, Chunamani Kharel, stated that organizing national and international Yogasana Sports competitions is crucial to showcasing Nepal’s science-backed traditional methods of health, wealth and happiness, yoga to the world.

In the championship, Roshan Bista from Kanchanpur became the first Yogasana Sports player to secure a hat-trick title as Mr. Yogi was awarded a trophy. Sonam Wangmo Tamang was crowned Ms. Yogini 2026. Roshan had previously secured the Mr. Yogi title  for two consecutive years.  

The first Yogasana Sports championship was held in Pondichhery, India, in 1989. The sport gained recognition in the USA during the 2000s and became a global event. Following the formation of International Yoga Sports Federation (IYSF) in Switzerland in 2013, the yoga sports became organized in various countries. Under IYSF, the Yoga Sports World Championship is held annually. Last year, Nepal participated and secured two gold medals.