How first-ever world championships will fuel yogasana’s growth curve in the Middle East?
When the inaugural World Yogasana Championships concluded at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad earlier this week, India, with a century of gold medals, reinforced its dominance in a sport rooted in its ancient traditions. But beyond the medal table, another trend quietly emerged: the growing embrace of Yogasana across the Middle East. For a region where yoga has traditionally been associated more with wellness centres and fitness studios than competitive sport, the participation of countries such as Oman, Jordan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates at the first-ever World Yogasana Championships offered evidence that Yogasana is beginning to develop a sporting ecosystem of its own. The numbers tell part of the story. Oman finished with 21 medals, including 8 silver and 13 bronze medals, making it the most successful Gulf nation at the championships. Jordan claimed two bronze medals, while athletes from Iran and the UAE gained crucial exposure in an elite international competition. Yet officials and athletes believe the significance of Ahmedabad extends far beyond the medals won. The championships brought together 522 athletes …






