Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: “It is time for Yogasana as a sport to make a star entry into Olympics”, said the former National Hockey Team Captain and Padmashree Dilip Tirkey at the closing ceremony of the first-ever physical National Yogasana Sports Championships here in Bhubaneswar.

Maharashtra was crowned as overall champion while Tamil Nadu bagged the second position and West Bengal and Goa emerged as third at India’s first ever Physical National Yogasana Championships hosted by Odisha. Chief Guest Padmashree Dilip Tirkey, Chairman, Odisha Hockey Promotion Council, applauded the winners and young Indian athletes who participated in the Championship and congratulated NYSF on its astounding success. 

50 medals were awarded through the championship to young athletes who showcased their Yogasana skills in various competitive events. Trophies were awarded to winners of Sub junior and junior team championships.  

Trupti Dongrae of Maharashtra finished first in Sub Junior Girls and Nibodh Patil finished first in Sub Junior Boys category. Swara Gujar from Maharashtra won the title in Junior Girls and Jai Kalekar from Maharashtra won the title in Junior Boys category.

Addressing the gathering, Tirkey said, “Yogasana is deeply embedded in the rich heritage and culture of Odisha. With this cultural legacy I am sure that the state will usher a new era of Yogasana Sports and drive youth to engage successfully with this sport. Yogasana Sports have the potential for becoming a landmark sport in the world and gain popularity and bring global recognition for India, like Hockey. After setting new milestones of success for Indian Hockey and other Indian Sports, I am very confident that Odisha will become the global stage to nurture Yogasana as Competitive Sports.”

“I am delighted, National Yogasana Sports Federation is working tirelessly to support India’s vision to make Yogasana a sport with an Olympic Roadmap.”, he further added.

Over 560 bright, talented, and young athletes from 30 states competed in a uniquely designed competition organised by the National Yogasana Sports Federation (NYSF) in association with the Government of Odisha.