Ahmedabad world championships

Yoga Oman President Salha Hakeem: The inaugural World Yogasana Championships may have underlined India’s dominance in the sport, but for several Middle Eastern nations, the event represented something even more significant: an opportunity to accelerate the growth of competitive Yogasana across the region.

Held at the EKA Arena, the championships brought together 522 athletes from 78 countries, offering emerging Yogasana nations exposure to international competition, judging standards and coaching methods.

Countries such as Oman, Jordan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates were among the participants, highlighting the sport’s growing footprint in a region where yoga has traditionally been associated with wellness and fitness rather than organised competition.