Uganda Yogasana eyes World Championships after successful national event

Qualifying for the World Yogasana Championships in India next year is now the top priority for Team Uganda, following the successful conclusion of the second edition of the national Yogasana championship held on Sunday at Kololo.

Hitesh Panchmatia, chairman of the Yogasana Sports Association Uganda, made the announcement during the closing ceremony, emphasizing the team’s focus on preparing elite athletes for the continental qualifiers.

“We’re thrilled with how this event turned out,” Panchmatia said. “Our goal is to identify top performers from this championship and provide them with qualified coaches to prepare them thoroughly for the Africa Championships in Mauritius. That event will be our gateway to the World Championships in India next March.”

Medalists from both junior and senior categories will form Team Uganda for the Africa Championships, which serve as the official qualifiers for the global stage.

Beyond competition, Panchmatia highlighted the broader mission of Yogasana Sports Association Uganda: promoting health and wellness through sport. “Yoga enhances both physical fitness and mental health. We’re committed to using it to improve youth wellbeing and combat depression, which in turn boosts academic performance,” he said.

He also called on the National Council of Sports to formally recognize Yogasana as a sports association and pledged to expand its reach across schools nationwide. “We used to have physical education in primary schools, and it helped us excel both academically and health-wise. We want to revive that spirit and champion Yogasana in schools,” he added.

The Organisers and sponsors of the Yogasana Tournament,hand over a plaque to the Indian High Commisioner in Kampala, Upender Singh Rawat (2nd right) in appreciation of his support to the sport. PHOTO: Johnson Were

The event was graced by the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Upendar Singh Rawat, who encouraged Ugandans to embrace yoga for its health benefits and international potential. “Yoga can transform lives. Uganda has the talent to win medals on the global stage,” he said.

With growing momentum and a clear roadmap, Uganda’s Yogasana movement is positioning itself not just as a competitive force, but as a national tool for wellness, discipline, and youth empowerment.