New Delhi, June 20: The national capital is gearing up for one of the country’s largest public celebrations promoting wellness and preventive healthcare as the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) will be observed at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya, along with actor and fitness icon Akshay Kumar, will participate in a mass yoga session featuring nearly 3,000 attendees. This year’s celebrations are centered on the theme,“Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
The Sports Ministry has planned extensive nationwide observances, with synchronized yoga sessions scheduled across Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, and Khelo India institutions. More than 15,000 participants are expected to join these events across the country.
In addition to SAI-led initiatives, National Sports Federations, State Sports Departments, Sports Universities, and various sporting institutions will also organise yoga programmes, reflecting a united effort by India’s sports ecosystem to promote the ancient practice.
Highlighting the global significance of the occasion, Mandaviya noted that the International Day of Yoga has evolved into a worldwide movement since the United Nations adopted June 21 as its official observance in 2014 following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal.
“Over the years, the International Day of Yoga has become a global celebration of physical, mental and spiritual well-being, bringing together millions of people across continents. Yoga has crossed geographical boundaries and emerged as a universal practice,” the minister said.
The flagship Fit India programme in New Delhi will also feature a special guided session by celebrity yoga instructor Anshuka Parwani, known for popularising yoga among fitness enthusiasts and leading personalities.
The event is expected to attract athletes, students, senior citizens, yoga practitioners, fitness lovers and families, showcasing yoga’s role in fostering holistic health and well-being.
Globally, the 12th International Day of Yoga is expected to witness participation from millions of people across more than 180 countries, underlining the growing international appeal of the practice.
