States » EastPosted at: Oct 2 2026 2:53PM


Manipur CM Khemchand calls for global recognition of Yogasana, urges players to aim for Olympic level

Imphal, Oct 2 (UNI) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today said Yogasana, rooted in India’s ancient tradition, has the potential to emerge as a major international sporting discipline and called upon Indian players to prepare for competition at the highest global level.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 38th National Yogasana Championship, 2026 and selection trial for the 12th World Yogasana Championship, 2027 in Thailand, at Khuman Lampak Main Indoor Stadium, Imphal.
The championship is being organised by the Manipur Yoga Society in collaboration with the All-India Yoga Culture Federation and is being held from October 2 to 4. The selection trial will be used to select the Indian team for the 2027 World Yogasana Championship in Thailand.
Khemchand highlighted the global spread of Yoga and recalled the adoption of the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. He said Yoga had since gained international recognition and expressed the view that Yogasana could eventually become an Olympic sporting event.
He urged Indian Yogasana players to prepare themselves mentally and physically for international competitions, including world championships and, in the future, the Olympics.
Drawing a comparison with hockey, the Chief Minister said India’s long association with the sport had not always translated into sustained success at the highest level, underlining the importance of systematic preparation and training.
Recalling his association with Yoga since 2014, Khemchand said he had participated in efforts to promote the practice at the grassroots level. He said Yoga should not be viewed merely as physical exercise but as a practice beneficial to the body, mind and overall well-being.
The Chief Minister also spoke about India’s ancient knowledge traditions, including Sanskrit, and its continuing interest beyond India. He referred to the language’s structure and vocabulary while discussing its relevance in academic and technological contexts.
Welcoming participants from different parts of the country, Khemchand urged them to carry a message of peace from Manipur when they return to their respective States. He appealed to the participants to share a positive message about the State.
Minister for Home and Youth Affairs & Sports Govindas Konthoujam said Yoga had gained global visibility and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives with helping take the ancient Indian practice to the international stage.
Konthoujam said Yogasana promotes discipline, concentration, physical fitness, mental balance, self-control and perseverance, contributing to harmony between the body and mind. He encouraged participants to compete with confidence and in the spirit of sportsmanship.
The Chief Minister formally inaugurated the championship and interacted with participating athletes, wishing them success in the championship and selection trials.
The theme of the four-day event is “Yogasana for Health, Harmony and National Unity.”
MLA Thangjam Arun Kumar Singh, Dr Basudev Singh, Working President of the Organising Committee and president of Manipur Yoga Society; Babul Bikas Patranabis, president of the All India Yoga Culture Federation; Dr Shrikant Warankar, general secretary of the federation; Dr Uttam Ojha, president of the All India Divyang Cricket Association; Ksh. Gopendra Singh, convener of the Organising Committee, along with participating athletes, officials and other dignitaries attended the inaugural programme.
UNI NS NST ARN
Tags: #Manipur CM Khemchand calls for global recognition of Yogasana# urges players to aim for Olympic level
More News

NIA suspects Bengal imam was operating as new face of JMB-linked IMK

03 Oct 2026 | 12:51 AM

Katwa, Oct 2 (UNI) Though a pall of shock has descended on Kulut and Palishgram villages in the Manteswar and Mongalkote blocks of East Burdwan following the National Investigation Agency's arrest of veteran imam Piyar Mohammad Sheikh for alleged terror links, the agency believes he was operating as a new face of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in the state.

see more..

Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya to visit Varanasi to explore investment opportunities

03 Oct 2026 | 12:49 AM

Kolkata, Oct 2 (UNI) The Centre is seeking to strengthen economic and connectivity links between West Bengal and Varanasi, with the union Budget proposing a dedicated corridor to improve connectivity between the two destinations.

see more..

Left parties march in Kolkata demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s removal, halt to SIR

03 Oct 2026 | 12:47 AM

Kolkata, Oct 2 (UNI) The West Bengal Left Front and allied parties organised a large rally in Kolkata on Friday, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, an immediate halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and restoration of the names of voters allegedly excluded from the rolls.

see more..

West Bengal BJP chief calls Trinamool ‘dead’, questions party’s political credibility

03 Oct 2026 | 12:44 AM

Kolkata, Oct 2 (UNI) West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya described the Trinamool Congress as a politically defunct organisation, alleging that it had lost its identity, organisational cohesion and credibility, and questioned its ability to function as an effective opposition.

see more..

Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari asks Nandigram voters to wipe out Trinamool in bypoll

03 Oct 2026 | 12:41 AM

Nandigram, Oct 2 (UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari turned the Nandigram Assembly by-election into a personal high stakes political contest, launching a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress and urging voters to ensure that none of its candidates could retain their deposits.

see more..