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By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — The High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, has highlighted the importance of yoga in promoting healthy ageing, mental wellness, and social harmony as Nigeria joined the global celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.
Speaking at the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja on Saturday, Ambassador Singh said this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” underscores the role of yoga in helping people of all ages maintain optimal physical and mental health.
Addressing diplomats, government officials, members of the Indian community, students, and other participants, the envoy described yoga as an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice originating from India that continues to offer solutions to modern-day health challenges.
According to him, yoga promotes the union of mind, body, and soul while encouraging harmony between humanity and nature.
“In the fast-paced modern world, yoga provides a dedicated space to breathe deeply, reduce stress, and cultivate mental clarity,” Singh said.
He noted that the practice combines stretching, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and gentle movements that help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and mobility while supporting mental well-being and stress management.
The High Commissioner recalled that the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while UNESCO later inscribed yoga on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
Describing yoga as a “secret superpower,” Singh said the practice transcends borders, languages, and cultures, serving as a universal language of peace and holistic well-being.
“Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature,” he said.
Also speaking with Media360Impact on the sidelines of the event, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Shehu Dikko, emphasized the importance of yoga as a tool for improving public health and enhancing overall well-being.
Dikko said yoga aligns with the Commission’s vision of promoting sports and physical activities that contribute to healthier lifestyles among Nigerians.
According to him, beyond competitive sports, activities such as yoga play a critical role in preventive healthcare by encouraging physical fitness, mental resilience, emotional balance, and social inclusion.
He noted that as Nigeria continues to address rising concerns related to stress, sedentary lifestyles, and non-communicable diseases, yoga offers a simple, affordable, and effective way for people to improve their quality of life.
“Yoga is more than just a physical activity. It is a lifestyle practice that promotes discipline, focus, inner peace, and healthy living. It provides benefits for people of all ages, from young people to senior citizens, and supports both physical and mental wellness,” he said.
The NSC chairman further stressed the importance of integrating wellness-focused activities into communities, schools, workplaces, and public institutions, noting that sports development should not be limited to elite athletes alone.
“We want Nigerians to embrace active and healthy lifestyles. Initiatives like the International Day of Yoga remind us that sports and physical activities are powerful tools for nation-building, social cohesion, disease prevention, and personal development,” he added.
Dikko commended the Government of India and the Indian High Commission in Nigeria for sustaining the annual celebration and for promoting global awareness about the benefits of yoga.
The envoy also expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission, event partners, sponsors, members of the Indian community, and participants for supporting the successful celebration.
He urged participants to embrace yoga beyond the event and integrate its principles into their daily lives to foster greater harmony, tranquillity, and overall well-being.
The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually across the world to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and encourage healthier lifestyles. This year’s celebration in Abuja brought together diplomats, government officials, sports enthusiasts, students, and wellness advocates in a collective call for healthier living and peaceful coexistence through the practice of yoga.
