India emerged as the dominant force at the inaugural World Yogasana Championships, finishing atop the medal table with a staggering 114 medals, including 102 gold, as the event concluded on Monday in Ahmedabad.
Top Performing Nations
Japan secured second place with three gold, three silver, and five bronze medals. Argentina finished third, thanks to its lone athlete Nabila Barraza, who won two gold and three silver medals.
Nepal ended the competition with 52 medals—one gold, 36 silver, and 15 bronze—making it the second-most successful contingent in terms of total medals won, though it finished fifth in the medal standings. Uzbekistan secured 25 medals, including one gold, 13 silver, and 11 bronze.
Participation and Medal Distribution
A total of 522 athletes from 79 countries competed in the championships. Athletes from 31 nations won at least one medal, while 10 countries claimed at least one gold medal.
Hosts India fielded a 122-member contingent across six age categories: Sub-Junior Men and Women (10-14 years), Junior Men and Women (14-18 years), Senior (18-28 years), Senior A (28-35 years), Senior B (35-45 years), and Senior C (45-55 years).
Significance of the Event
The inaugural World Yogasana Championships marked the first edition of the event and represented a significant step in the effort to establish Yogasana as a competitive international sport while advancing its push for Olympic recognition.
The World Yogasana Championship 2026 was supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of AYUSH, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sports Authority of Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism, and Gujarat Yogasana Sports Association—establishing Yogasana as a global sporting discipline and paving the way towards Olympic recognition.
