Udit Sheth, President of Yogasana Bharat and Vice President of World Yogasana, is focused on transforming Yogasana into a globally recognized sport. He emphasizes the need for an ecosystem that includes institutional support, commercial sustainability, world-class presentation, and international participation.
Sheth believes that as India aims to establish itself as a sporting powerhouse, Yogasana presents a unique opportunity to evolve a practice rooted in India’s heritage into a modern global sport.
He credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for their support in Yogasana’s development. Sheth stated, “The Prime Minister has been very clear that when we talk about Yogasana sport, we must treat it as a sport.”
He noted that clarity of vision has encouraged stakeholders to build necessary structures for international growth. Sheth acknowledged that government initiatives have helped establish Yogasana nationwide, with SAI supporting championships through various programs.
In Sheth’s view, the future of Yogasana depends on coordination among sporting, educational, and diplomatic institutions. He identifies the need for a sustainable global ecosystem rather than merely organizing events.
With nearly two decades in sports infrastructure, Sheth previously contributed to The Arena by TransStadia, a significant sports infrastructure project in India. He intends to apply his experience to Yogasana’s growth.
Sheth believes execution is crucial for the success of sports projects. He argues that for Yogasana to thrive, it must be commercially viable and engaging to international audiences.
He explained, “Building infrastructure without a revenue model or a clear utilization plan doesn’t make sense,” highlighting the importance of visibility and engagement for the sport’s commercial viability.
According to Sheth, establishing compelling narratives and heroes is essential for Yogasana’s place in the global sporting landscape. He aims to create champions within the sport, similar to icons like Sachin Tendulkar and David Beckham.
Yogasana Bharat is investing in the presentation of the sport, distinguishing it from individual wellness-oriented yoga. Sheth clarified, “Yoga and Yogasana are two very different things.”
He explained that Yogasana focuses on competitive performance governed by a structured scoring system. Athletes compete in various categories and formats with clearly defined judging criteria.
Creating awareness about this distinction is vital for attracting a broader audience. Sheth is committed to enhancing viewer engagement through technology and high-quality broadcasting.
Among innovations being explored are live scoring, enhanced graphics, and immersive viewing technologies. Sheth emphasized the significance of high-quality commentary to educate and engage viewers.
He believes that Yogasana should not simply be viewed as a cultural export but rather integrated into educational systems globally. This vision would require partnerships with governments and educational institutions to include Yogasana in curricula.
Sheth aims to establish academies and coaching structures worldwide to develop future athletes. He views Yogasana as an opportunity for India to contribute uniquely to the global sporting ecosystem. “Yogasana has the potential to become India’s greatest sporting contribution to the world,” he stated.
He highlighted yoga’s relevance in athletic preparation across various sports, reinforcing its universal appeal. Sheth sees Yogasana as a bridge between tradition and modernity, showcasing India’s cultural heritage on a global stage.
“This is a unique opportunity — not just for Indian sport but for India to contribute something transformative to the global sporting landscape,” he concluded.
Source: www.lokmattimes.com via Google News.
