CM opens National Yogasana Championship
Participants urged to carry message of peace
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 02 2026: Opening the 38th National Yogasana Championship 2026 at the Khuman Lampak Main Indoor Stadium, Imphal today, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed to participating players from different States to carry messages of peace from Manipur when they go back home and contribute towards building a positive image for the State.

Welcoming the participants and wishing them success in the championship, the Chief Minister interacted with them and appealed to them to carry the message that "peace has returned to Manipur" .

CM opens National Yogasana Championship

The 38th National Yogasana Championship 2026 and the selection trial for the 12th World Yogasana Championship, 2027 to be held in Thailand is being organised by the Manipur Yoga Society, Imphal in collaboration with the All-India Yoga Culture Federation.

Rooted in India's ancient tradition, Yogasana has the potential to gain recognition as a major international sporting discipline, Khemchand said, calling upon Indian players to prepare themselves to excel at future global championships.

Recalling his association with Yoga, the Chief Minister said he has been involved in promoting Yoga at the grassroots level since 2014 .

He recalled that during his time as an organiser (of Yoga events) in his Constituency, Yoga teachers associated with Seva Bharati used to visit different sacred places and teach Yoga to people.

Khemchand said he has also participated in programmes, creating awareness about the benefits of Yoga for the body, mind and soul, and stressed that the practice goes beyond physical exercise.

The Chief Minister recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative at the United Nations in 2014 to establish an International Day of Yoga.

CM opens National Yogasana Championship

The UN General Assembly subsequently adopted a resolution on December 11, 2014, with 177 countries co-sponsoring, to adopt June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

After the United Nations recognition, Yumnam Khemchand Singh said, Yoga has since gained a global presence.

In the coming years, Yogasana could become an Olympic sporting event, he said, calling upon Indian Yogasana practitioners and players to prepare themselves mentally and physically to compete at the international level and bring laurels to the country.

While stressing on the significance of India's ancient knowledge traditions, Khemchand also spoke about Sanskrit, and said that classical language has attracted interest beyond the country, including in academic and technological circles in Europe.

He highlighted the precision of Sanskrit and its distinctive vocabulary, saying that the language's structure and command over words have drawn attention in the context of advancements in computer science and information technology.

Minister of Home and Youth Affairs & Sports, Govindas Konthoujam, said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yoga has gained unprecedented global visibility, with India playing a leading role in taking the ancient tradition to the world stage.

CM opens National Yogasana Championship

Yogasana is not merely a physical exercise but also a practice for enhancing mental balance, self-control and perseverance.

It fosters harmony between the body and mind, he said.

He encouraged the participants to compete with confidence and in the truest spirit of sportsmanship, and stressed that the event will help enhance National integration.

The championship, being held under the theme "Yogasana for Health, Harmony and National Unity" will continue till October 4, 2026 .

MLA Thangjam Arun Kumar Singh; Dr Basudev Singh, working president, Organising Committee, 38th National Yogasana Championship and president, Manipur Yoga Society; Babul Bikas Patranabis, president, All India Yoga Culture Federation; Dr Shrikant Warankar, general secretary, All India Yoga Culture Federation; Dr Uttam Ojha, president, All India Divyang Cricket Association; and Ksh Gopendra Singh, convener, Organising Committee attended the opening ceremony.