India to Host Yoga Olympiad for School Children

Narendra Modi Playing Yoga Tricks. Photo: Press Information Bureau

India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has taken various initiatives to promote Hindu exercise Yoga among the masses especially the students and teachers in all parts of the country on 3rd International Day of Yoga (21st June, 2017).

Yoga Olympiad 2017 – the Second Olympiad involving school children from upper-primary to secondary stages – will be organized by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) from 18th-20th June, 2017 at NCERT, New Delhi.

The idea behind conducting the Olympiad is that it should feel like an Olympic sports event or peace run in the field of yoga.

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The event will be organised by NCERT along with the Regional Institute of Education (RIEs) this year. The theme for the Yoga Olympiad is ‘Yoga for Health and Harmony’.

The objective of the Yoga Olympiad is to understand the yogic practices to apply it in one’s life. It aims to develop a healthy habit and humane values in children. It also intends to develop physical, emotional, and mental health through yogic activities.

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Meanwhile, the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, has initiated a Yoga awareness drive through mascots and Flash Mobs (YogMob) prior to the International Day of Yoga to increase popularity of Yoga especially among the youth.

According to the government, the mascots are connecting with families by providing added entertainment and interactivity, especially at malls, public places, events, and recreational tourist areas.