The inaugural World Yogasana Championship 2026 was held at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, and the host nation, not surprisingly, dominated the five-day competition, winning 114 medals, including 102 gold, nine silver, and three bronze. More than 500 athletes from almost 80 countries participated in the competition, with 31 nations winning at least one medal. Athletes in six age categories competed in traditional yogasana, artistic single, artistic pair, artistic group, and rhythmic pair disciplines. While Japan was second in gold medals with three (99 behind India), Nepal was second in total medals with 52 (one gold, 36 silver, and 15 bronze).
The most decorated athlete was from Argentina, a 30-year-old woman named Nabila Barraza, who won two gold and three silver medals as the sole representative from her country. “Yoga heals the body, mind and soul,” said Barraza, who spent five years in Mumbai and now conducts yoga classes in Colombia.
Compiled and partly written by Indian humorist MELVIN DURAI, author of the novel Bala Takes the Plunge. [Comments? Contributions? Please email us at melvin@melvindurai.com. We welcome jokes, quotes, online clips, and more.]