India High Commission Marks International Day Of Yoga 2026, Promotes Healthy Ageing In Abuja
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The High Commission of India in Nigeria has commemorated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at the Velodrome of the National Stadium, Abuja, with a call for greater adoption of yoga as a tool for healthy ageing, wellness, and social harmony.
The event, themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” attracted government officials, diplomats, members of the Indian community, students, wellness enthusiasts, and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the global movement for physical and mental well-being.
Speaking at the ceremony on Saturday, India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria emphasised the importance of yoga as a holistic practice that promotes physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance across all age groups.
The envoy noted that the annual observance stems from a landmark resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014, following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. He also recalled that yoga was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
According to the High Commissioner, this year’s theme highlights the role of yoga in helping individuals maintain optimal health and well-being as they age.
“Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice. It is an invaluable gift to humankind from ancient India,” he said.
Explaining the philosophy behind yoga, the envoy stated that the term originates from the Sanskrit word Yuj, meaning “to join” or “to unite,” symbolising the union of mind, body, and soul, as well as harmony between humanity and nature.
He observed that in today’s fast-paced world, yoga provides an opportunity for individuals to reduce stress, improve concentration, and cultivate inner peace through breathing exercises, mindfulness, stretching, and physical movement.
The High Commissioner described yoga as a “universal language of peace and holistic well-being” that transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries.
“Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature,” he said, quoting renowned yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, who once described yoga as a practice that cultivates balance and skill in daily life.
The envoy expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission, officials of the High Commission of India, corporate partners including Indorama and African Industries Group, members of the Indian community, and all participants for their contributions to the successful hosting of the event.
He encouraged participants to embrace yoga as a daily practice capable of fostering harmony, tranquillity, and improved quality of life.
Among dignitaries present at the event were Ambassador Babagana Wakil, Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador-designate Muhammad Saidu Dahiru; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Dr Shehu Dikko; and Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Dr Bukola Olopade.
The International Day of Yoga is observed annually in more than 190 countries, promoting the benefits of yoga as a pathway to healthier lifestyles, mental wellness, and global unity.
