Ahmedabad World Championships fuel Yogasana’s rise in Middle Eas

The inaugural World Yogasana Championships may have underlined India’s traditional dominance, but for several Middle Eastern nations, the event offered a crucial opportunity to accelerate the sport’s competitive growth across the region.

Held at the EKA Arena, the marquee event drew 522 athletes from 78 countries, providing emerging Yogasana nations with vital exposure to international competition, elite judging standards, and modern coaching methods.

The participation of Oman, Jordan, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)



highlighted the sport’s expanding footprint in a region where yoga has historically been viewed as a wellness routine rather than an organized competitive sport.

Oman emerged as the most successful Gulf nation at the event, securing 21 medals (eight silver and 13 bronze). Jordan claimed two bronze medals, while athletes from Iran and the UAE gained high-intensity global competitive experience.

For 15-year-old Omani athlete Jay Rajesh Soneji, who clinched two bronze medals, the impact of the tournament extends far beyond the podium.