When Aarti Pal started working with cricketers at the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), her aim was not to turn them into Yogasana athletes but to explore how yoga could enhance performance in a sport requiring explosive movement, technical precision, and mental strength. This reinforced her belief that yoga has a place beyond wellness centers and meditation spaces. The World Yogasana Championship, scheduled at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad from June 4 to 8, will feature over 500 elite athletes from 60+ countries, highlighting Yogasana as a globally recognized competitive discipline.
Aarti, India’s first Yogasana athlete to receive the Arjuna Award, views yoga as more than just a practice; it’s a science, a sport, and a performance enhancer applicable to athletes in all sports. She advocates for integrating yoga into every athlete’s routine to improve fundamental skills effectively. Aarti emphasized the significant benefits of yoga for athletes, especially in enhancing flexibility, preventing injuries, and fostering mental resilience crucial for sporting success.
According to Aarti, beyond physical benefits, emotional stability and mental focus are vital for athletes facing pressure and competition challenges. Practices like Pranayama and meditation aid in emotional balance, mental focus, and composure under pressure, contributing to building mental toughness essential for high-level performance. She believes that yoga should be an integral part of training across all sports, offering a holistic approach to athlete development and enhancing physical fitness and mental well-being.
Aarti’s interdisciplinary approach to Yogasana, combining sport, science, and lifestyle, stems from her background as a PhD holder in Yoga Science and former Assistant Professor of Yoga Science at the University of Patanjali. She emphasizes the importance of sports science, sports psychology, nutrition, and lifestyle management in an athlete’s performance, all interconnected with Yogasana. Aarti stresses that discipline in daily habits is crucial for success in any sport, highlighting the significance of consistent healthy practices in an athlete’s life.
As Yogasana gains popularity among the younger generation as a competitive pursuit, Aarti notes its transformation from a wellness practice to a recognized sport branch of yoga. Formal recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Ayush in 2020 has elevated Yogasana’s status as a priority sport, attracting a broader audience beyond those seeking wellness benefits. Aarti believes that the formal recognition, along with the historic Arjuna Award, has increased the sport’s appeal among youngsters, driving a shift in perceptions towards Yogasana as a competitive sport.
