Ancient Practice, Modern Dream: Yogasana Eyes Olympic Stage by 2036

In a bold and unusual sporting ambition, Yogasana , the competitive form of yoga, is setting its sights on becoming a medal event at the 2036 Olympic Games , marking a striking attempt to blend ancient Indian tradition with modern global sport.

The discipline, rooted in centuries of spiritual practice, is now being reimagined as a structured international competition combining balance, strength, flexibility, and stillness . Officials associated with the sport believe its unique character could soon earn it a place on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

The World Yogasana vice president Udit Sheth said the long term goal is firmly fixed on Olympic inclusion, with the 2032 Games expected to serve as a demonstration platform. He added that efforts are underway to ensure Yogasana becomes a medal sport by 2036, regardless of the host city.

Yogasana has already made notable progress. It featured as a demonstration sport at the Asian Games and is set to appear at the 2030 Commonwealth Games as one of India’s proposed indigenous disciplines. The first ever Yogasana World Championship , scheduled in Ahmedabad from June 4 to 8, will bring together participants from 75 countries, signalling growing international interest.

The sport is currently expanding its global footprint, with affiliates across multiple continents. However, it still falls short of the International Olympic Committee requirement of at least 50 national federations across three continents. Organisers remain optimistic that this gap will be bridged in the coming years.

Unlike gymnastics, Yogasana competition is judged not only on physical execution but also on the athlete’s ability to maintain steady posture and calm expression while holding complex poses. Scores are calculated by panels of judges who evaluate control, endurance, and precision.

India has played a leading role in promoting the sport through national programmes, including Khelo India , and expanding participation across hundreds of districts. Supporters say more than three lakh athletes are already registered under Yogasana Bharat .

The sport is also aligning with global anti doping standards , with organisers stating that athlete education and monitoring systems are being strengthened despite the body not yet being an official WADA signatory .

With growing institutional support and international outreach, Yogasana is positioning itself as a new kind of Olympic discipline, one where the challenge is not movement alone, but mastery over stillness itself .