Over 1,500 people came together at the Salmiya Boulevard Cricket Ground to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga, held under the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The grand yoga session was organized by the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the Ministry of Ayush, and in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

Participants from all walks of life — including diplomats, students, Indian community members, and yoga enthusiasts — gathered early Saturday morning to take part in the event.

Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, addressed the crowd, highlighting the importance of integrating yoga into daily life for overall well-being. He thanked all attendees for their enthusiastic participation in the celebrations.

Mr. Hussain Al Musallam, Director General of the OCA, emphasized during his remarks that yoga is now recognized as a sports discipline under the Olympic Council of Asia. The event was also graced by Padma Shri awardees Acharya H.R. Nagendra, founder of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, and Sheikha Shaikha A. J. Sabah, a prominent member of the Kuwaiti royal family and a strong advocate for yoga in the region.

International Day of Yoga was officially established by the United Nations on December 11, 2014, following a proposal by India — co-sponsored by Kuwait and supported by a record 175 UN member states. The date, June 21, was chosen as it marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizing light, energy, and harmony — core values of yoga.