Sadhguru dismayed at inclusion of Yoga as ‘demonstration sport’ at Asian Games

https://x.com/SadhguruJV/status/1833479455417004098

Yoga has long been considered a powerful tool for self-development and inner growth and since it is essentially about raising human consciousness, Sadhguru argued that it should not be compared or contested.

“Yoga cannot be a competition. Yoga is a powerful tool and mechanism for self-evolution, to elevate man from limited possibilities to limitless perception and experience of life. Yoga should not be done to compete with others. By doing so we reduce the powerful science of yoga to a circus-like activity where one tries to outdo the other,” Sadhguru said in X.

The true essence of yoga, he emphasised, lies in helping people to explore the deeper dimensions of life beyond their limitations, not suited to a competitive framework.

“The essence of yoga is about consciousness, not about comparison and competition. As a civilisation that gave birth to the science of yoga, I hope we have the wisdom to keep yoga from becoming a ridiculous sport.”

Sadhguru’s sharp criticism comes amid the Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) recent decision to include yoga as a demonstration sport in the 2026 Asian Games to be held in Nagoya, Japan.

While this decision can be seen as a way to globalise and popularise the physical aspects of yoga, the Sadhguru’s concern underscores the need to preserve the deep spiritual significance of the practice and eradicate the misconceptions and distorted versions that perpetuate in the name of yoga.

https://x.com/SadhguruJV/status/1833335867865231411

https://x.com/SadhguruJV/status/1804027150263103951

– Team Mysoorunews