Odia Pride: Nibedita Sahoo Clinches Gold for India at 2nd Asian Yogasana Sports Championship

Odia Pride: Nibedita Sahoo Clinches Gold for India at 2nd Asian Yogasana Sports Championship

In a remarkable feat that has brought immense pride to Odisha and the nation, Nibedita Sahoo from Odisha has secured a gold medal for India at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sports Championship. The event was held from April 25 to 27 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, featuring top athletes from 21 Asian countries.

Competing in the Traditional Individual Event (Senior B category), Nibedita showcased exceptional skill, balance, and composure, earning her the top podium finish. Her victory not only reflects personal excellence but also highlights India's deep-rooted yogic traditions and the rising status of yogasana as a competitive sport.

The championship, organized by Yogasana Bharat, saw participation from over 170 athletes, along with coaches, technical officials, and team managers from across Asia. It marks a key milestone in India’s mission to globalize yogasana, supported strongly by the Government of India.

“Yogasana has now achieved the status of a sport on the global stage,” said Dr. Jaydeep Arya, General Secretary of World Yogasana, who credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for yoga’s international recognition.

India dominated the championship with a historic 83 gold medals, with Japan, Mongolia, Oman, and Nepal following behind in the medal tally.

A shining star from Odisha, Nibedita Sahoo is a Master’s degree holder in Yoga from Utkal University of Culture and a devoted Isha Yoga practitioner. Her decorated journey includes:

Gold in District Yogasana Sports Championship 2022

Gold in 5th State Level Yogasana Championship 2024

Gold in 5th Senior National Yogasana Championship 2024-25

This international gold adds another milestone to her inspiring journey. With Yogasana set to debut as a demonstration sport in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and eyeing inclusion in the 2031 Olympic Games, Nibedita now sets her sights on representing India on an even grander stage.

Her achievement is more than just a medal—it is a symbol of national pride and a powerful inspiration for the youth of Odisha and beyond to embrace the discipline and spirit of yogasana.