Wednesday 10 / June / 2026
MUSCAT: Oman’s growing reputation as a regional sporting achiever received another boost after the Sultanate emerged as the most successful Gulf nation at the inaugural World Yogasana Championships, securing an impressive 21 medals—eight silver and 13 bronze—in Ahmedabad, India, recently.
The achievement placed Oman firmly among the standout performers at the first-ever global championship for Yogasana. The event brought together 522 athletes from 78 countries, including participants from Jordan, Iran, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, and showcased the sport's rapid international expansion.
Jordan claimed two bronze medals, while athletes from Iran and the UAE gained valuable exposure in an elite international competition.
For Oman, the medal haul represented more than podium finishes; they finished 12th overall among all the participants.
It reflected years of steady development in yoga as a competitive discipline and underlined the country's increasing ability to excel in emerging international sports.
Among the medal winners was 15-year-old Muscat-based athlete Jay Rajesh Soneji, who claimed two bronze medals and described the experience as a defining moment in his sporting journey.
“It feels amazing. I am very happy with my performance. Winning two bronze medals is a big achievement for me,” Soneji said after his success.
The young athlete believes Oman’s performance will extend beyond the competition arena and inspire a new generation of participants.
“This event will create more awareness about yoga and encourage more people to take up the sport in Oman. I hope it continues to grow in the coming years,” he added.
The championships marked a significant milestone for Oman’s Yogasana movement, which has witnessed steady growth alongside the wider popularity of yoga across the Sultanate.
Over the past decade, increasing awareness of health, fitness and mental well-being has fuelled interest in yoga among both citizens and expatriate communities, creating a strong foundation for competitive participation.
Salha Hakeem, President of Yoga Oman, hailed the achievement as a historic moment for the country.
“We are extremely proud of this achievement. Winning 21 medals at the first-ever Yogasana World Championships is a historic milestone for Oman and reflects the dedication, discipline and hard work of our athletes, coaches and the entire Yoga Oman team,” she said.
While traditional sports continue to dominate headlines, achievements in newer international competitions increasingly demonstrate the depth of Oman’s sporting talent and organisational capability.
The World Yogasana Championships also provided athletes from emerging nations with exposure to international judging standards, coaching methodologies and elite-level competition. Such experiences are expected to play a crucial role in strengthening national programmes and expanding participation at grassroots level.
Beyond the medals, Oman’s performance has helped raise the profile of Yogasana throughout the Gulf region. Delegates and officials attending the championships noted increasing interest from Middle Eastern countries seeking to establish structured pathways for athletes and coaches.
Oman’s achievements in Ahmedabad could therefore serve as a catalyst for wider participation both within the Sultanate and across neighbouring countries.
World Yogasana is the international governing body for Yogasana, committed to promoting and developing Yogasana as a competitive sport globally.
