Our Bureau
Glastonbury, CT
The United States Yogasana Championship 2026, organized by the United States Yogasana Sports Federation (USYSF) in collaboration with the United States Yoga Association (USYA), was successfully held at the Om Glastonbury Wellness Center in Connecticut. The event was conducted under the affiliation of World Yogasana, aligning with global standards for Yoga as a competitive sport.
The championship featured traditional, artistic, and rhythmic yoga categories, where athletes demonstrated strength, flexibility, balance, and discipline under standardized judging criteria. The program included an opening ceremony with mantra chanting, athlete presentations, performances, and medal distribution.
“This championship marks a significant milestone in promoting Yoga as a competitive sport in the United States while fostering health, discipline, and global unity,” said Balwinder Singh, Founder and President of USYSF & USYA, along with Vice President Mehak Sharma.
Gold Medalists
Female categories: Sanvika Kannaji (8–10), Veronica Vega (10–14), Ashna Sabharwal (18–28), Veena Vijju (28–35), Kemi Blake (35–45), Priti Dhariwal (45–55), Donna Moy (55–60), and Geeta Patel (60+).
Male categories: Karteek Bojanapali (35–45) and Sanjay Attada (45–55).
The audience also enjoyed artistic performances, including a solo by Ashna Sabharwal and a group presentation on “Ai Giri Nandini.”
“It’s a beautiful championship, and I am happy to host it at my wellness center,” said Katalin Walinski, Founder of Om Glastonbury Wellness Center. “Whether yoga is considered a sport is subjective, since it can be viewed as a competitive physical discipline or a traditional holistic practice. I am happy to compete at the first championship held,” Priti Dhariwal, a Yoga practitioner for 30 years mentioned.
The event was supported by partners including the Consulate General of India in New York, Canada Yogasana Federation, Hindu Diaspora Foundation, Hindu Temple Society of North America, World Vision Vegan, Yoga Lotus, and Om Glastonbury Wellness Center.
This championship serves as a selection platform for Team USA athletes preparing for the World Yogasana Championship 2026, to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, from June 4–8, 2026. The successful debut of this national championship highlights a growing movement to advance Yogasana as a recognized competitive sport across the United States.
About USYSF & USYA
The United States Yogasana Sports Federation (USYSF) and United States Yoga Association (USYA), affiliated with World Yogasana, promote yoga as a competitive sport through national events, athlete development, and international representation.
