Major Dhyan Chand Sports University Celebrates International Yoga Day 2026 with Enthusiasm and a Commitment to Healthy Living
Major Dhyan Chand Sports University Celebrates International Yoga Day 2026 with Enthusiasm and a Commitment to Healthy Living
Major Dhyan Chand Sports University (MDSU), Uttar Pradesh, Meerut, celebrated International Yoga Day 2026 with great enthusiasm and a strong commitment to promoting holistic health and well-being at its under-construction campus in Salawa, Meerut on 21st June,26. Based on this year’s global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the programme also marked the grand culmination of the International Yoga Week 2026, organised from 15–21 June 2026.
Throughout the week, the University conducted a series of activities to promote awareness about yoga and healthy living. These included an Essay Writing Competition, an Expert Talk on Yoga, an inspiring session by renowned yoga expert Mr. Sunil Saini, yoga practice sessions at the University and nearby locations, a Cycling Rally, and a Tree Plantation Drive to promote health, environmental sustainability, and social awareness.
The concluding ceremony witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 453 participants, including students, faculty members, officers, staff, yoga practitioners, village representatives, distinguished guests, and construction workers engaged in the University’s campus development. All participants pledged to adopt regular yoga practice as an integral part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
The programme commenced with the live telecast of the address by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on the occasion of International Yoga Day. In his inspiring message, the Prime Minister described yoga as India’s priceless heritage and highlighted its significance in promoting physical health, mental well-being, inner peace, and global harmony. His address inspired everyone present to make yoga an essential part of their daily lives.
At 6:00 AM, the programme was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Maj Gen Deep Ahlawat (Retd.), VSM, Arjuna Awardee, along with distinguished guests and yoga experts, symbolising knowledge, health, positivity, and enlightenment.
Following the inauguration, T-shirts were distributed to participants and construction workers as a gesture of encouragement and appreciation. The distinguished guests and yoga experts were warmly felicitated with saplings, reflecting the University’s commitment to Indian traditions, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
Participants were then introduced to the significance of International Yoga Day and this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
The highlight of the programme was the collective practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) prescribed by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, conducted from 7:15 AM to 8:00 AM. Hundreds of participants enthusiastically performed various yoga practices, including prayer, loosening exercises, standing postures, sitting postures, prone and supine postures, Kapalabhati, Pranayama, meditation, and the yoga pledge. The collective participation created an atmosphere of discipline, mindfulness, and holistic well-being.
The Common Yoga Protocol session was followed by a Mass Surya Namaskar Session, where participants performed the sequence with dedication and discipline, highlighting the importance of yoga in enhancing strength, flexibility, endurance, concentration, and overall fitness.
A major attraction of the event was the spectacular yoga demonstration presented by Lakshya Yoga Academy, Rishikesh, under the guidance of Mr. Shivam. The yoga practitioners showcased advanced yoga postures demonstrating exceptional flexibility, balance, coordination, and concentration, receiving tremendous appreciation from the audience.
On this occasion, winners and participants of various competitions organised during International Yoga Week 2026 were honoured with certificates and prizes. Students who excelled in competitions such as the Essay Writing Competition and Yoga Pose Challenge were felicitated by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor in recognition of their creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm towards yoga.
To promote sports at the grassroots level and encourage physical activity among rural youth, the University distributed sports equipment to the Gram Pradhans and representatives of its adopted villages, Salawa and Kaili. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor encouraged village representatives to create greater opportunities for rural youth to participate in sports and physical activities.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Maj Gen Deep Ahlawat (Retd.), VSM, Arjuna Awardee, elaborated on the significance of this year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” He stated that yoga is a timeless discipline that empowers individuals to lead healthy, active, balanced, and meaningful lives at every stage of life. He emphasised that age should never become a barrier to health, productivity, happiness, or vitality, and that regular yoga practice strengthens individuals physically, mentally, and emotionally.
He further remarked that yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise but a holistic way of life that contributes significantly to the development of individuals, society, and the nation. Healthy, disciplined, and productive citizens form the foundation of a strong society, which in turn strengthens the nation. He also highlighted that the widespread adoption of yoga can make a significant contribution towards achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He urged students and young people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives by embracing discipline, self-development, and a healthy lifestyle.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Yogesh Kumar, Convenor, International Yoga Week 2026, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, distinguished guests, yoga experts, participants, faculty members, staff, volunteers, and members of the organising committee for their invaluable support in making the event a grand success.
The event concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a group photograph and the distribution of healthy refreshments.
The successful organisation of International Yoga Day 2026 was accomplished under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Maj Gen Deep Ahlawat (Retd.), VSM, Arjuna Awardee, and the guidance of Registrar Shri Sunil Kumar Jha. Prof. Yogesh Kumar, as the Convenor of International Yoga Week 2026, played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the event.
The programme also received valuable support from Prof. Satyant Kumar (Dean Academics), Dr. Poonam Bhandari, Dr. Soniya Rana, Dr. Farha Hashmi, and Dr. Shivansh Pal, whose dedicated efforts significantly contributed to the successful conduct of the event.
Faculty members, officers, staff, volunteers, and students worked with exceptional coordination, commitment, and team spirit to ensure the smooth execution of every activity. Their collective efforts transformed the celebration of International Yoga Day 2026 into a memorable and highly successful event. As the first and only Sports University of Uttar Pradesh, Major Dhyan Chand Sports University continues to strengthen the state’s sports ecosystem through initiatives promoting sports excellence, fitness, youth empowerment, talent identification, and holistic development. Inspired by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, the University remains committed to contributing towards the national missions of Fit India, Khelo India, and Viksit Bharat 2047 through impactful initiatives such as International Yoga Week and International Yoga Day.
