What is yogasana?

The word yogasana is derived from two Sanskrit words, Yuj meaning unite and Asana meaning body postures. Yogasana is a sport that focuses on the physical aspect of yoga, where players have to perform yogic postures and are judged on their difficulty, balance, control, flexibility and endurance. The difference between yoga and yogasana is that yogasana only lays emphasis on the physical side of the discipline while yoga also gives importance to the mental and spiritual aspects. While yogasana competitions have been around for centuries, the modern-day format of the sport first came into existence in 1989 with the first Yogasana World Championship, held in Pondicherry, India. Rhythmic yogasana demands coordination as pairs and groups perform asanas in harmony, earning points for fluid transitions and synchronised execution. (Photo: National Games 2025) Yogasana was formally recognised as a sport in 2020, with the National Yoga Sports Federation being the official governing body for the sport in India. With an emphasis on promoting indigenous sports, yogasana was included in the Khelo India Youth Games 2021, along with kalaripayattu, gatka and mallakhamb. It was also added to the National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand. Yogasana rules and events The rules of yogasana are different for every event. Competitions are generally held in three major events – artistic, rhythmic and traditional. Artistic yogasana is similar to artistic gymnastics. Athletes have to perform postures for three minutes while synchronising their performance to music. Athletes must include 10 asanas in their routine from a predetermined list, which includes leg balance, hand balance, back bend, forward bend and body twisting. Artistic yogasana is held in individual as well as pair categories. Meanwhile, the traditional yogasana event requires participants to hold their postures for 15 seconds or 30 seconds, depending on the asana, with emphasis being laid on balance and stability. The third event category, rhythmic yogasana, is conducted in pairs and groups of five. Players are required to perform asanas in sync with each other and maintain each posture for five to seven seconds. Points are also awarded for smooth transition between two postures. Popular Yoga asanas There are dozens of asanas in yoga, which are divided according to the position of the body - standing, sitting, supine and prone. Here are some of the most popular ones. Adho Mukha Svanasana Popularly known as the downward-facing dog, Adho Mukha Svanasana involves touching both palms and feet to the ground while lifting your hips. This pose is said to help relieve back pain and strengthen shoulders. Parsva Upavista Konasana One of the most basic poses while sitting, Parsva Upavista Konasana stretches the entire body and is often used for warmups. It involves sitting with a straight back while the legs are extended and wide open. It also involves stretching the left arm over the right side of the body and vice versa.