Highlighting a major event which grabbed attention across the nation, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was on the dais along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the International Yoga Day 2016 at the Sports Complex in Vijaywada, made an appeal during the event to make Yoga an Olympic sport. The appeal was issued at a public event that took place in India to mark the country’s rich civilization and spiritual heritage, and underscored the fact that yoga is now a worldwide practised activity, not just as a form of exercise but as a way of life.
Arousing Global Attention in an Audacious Appeal
While addressing the gathering along with the Prime Minister, Chandrababu Naidu made a strong plea for Yoga to be made Olympics discipline. He said that Yoga was an ancient art in India, but has now become a practice of millions across countries for mental peace, physical fitness and for overall well-being.
Pointing out to how Yoga is celebrated across the world on International Yoga Day, an occasion celebrated between the United Nations, Naidu said that when a practice of this scale is a symbol to world peace and harmony, it is only natural that Yoga be given a status at the Olympics.
Yoga isn't just an exercise. It is a way of life. Wonderful to join this year's Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam. https://t.co/ReTJ0Ju2sN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2025
Why Yoga Belongs in the Olympic Spirit
Naidu stressed that Yoga encapsulates attributes of discipline, harmony and balance all of which are the pillars of Olympic spirit. He mentioned that many countries have already integrated Yoga in their routine fitness schedules and competitive forms of yoga are becoming popular at the international level.
Flexibility, mental focus and strength are all key traits in any sport,” explain thousands of other fitness bunnies and athletes (most of who practice yoga themselves. So, taking Yoga to the Olympics could actually bring variety and pay homage to a practice that’s etching its growing presence in the cultures and societies.
PM Modi’s Endorsement of Yoga on the World Stage
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi too was present at the event is not shy of the fact that he has been acknowledged around the world for popularizing Yoga in the international arena. International Day of Yoga The United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, in 2014, following an address to the U.N. General Assembly by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.. This initiative found support from many global leaders.
While the PM didn’t respond immediately, there is some precedent of the government’s support in the form of Prime Minister Modi’s earlier effort and posturing for the Yoga cause, globally.
One Step Closer to Olympic History?
If approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the proposal will put India on the world map in more ways than one, not just as the land of Yoga but also as a country where competitive Yoga is recognised.
It is certain, fans of yoga say, that types such as artistic yoga, power yoga or endurance yoga could themselves be adapted into forms that are competitive, just as gymnastics and martial arts have been”transformed” into sports to suit the Olympic Games.
Conclusion
Chandrababu Naidu’s appeal has once again opened the debate on Yoga’s global stature and its prospects as an Olympic discipline. Considering India’s tradition and cultural link with the world, and the global acceptance of Yoga, this convention may open yet another new chapter in Olympic history and in promotion of Indian culture.”
While they continue to discuss, the world watch and waits to see if Yoga — that ancient exercise that began on Indian soil — can carve out a space on sport’s grandest stage: the Olympics.
