Riyadh – The Embassy of India in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Saudi Yoga Committee and local partners, commemorated the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) under the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium. Over 500 yoga practitioners and enthusiasts from across Saudi Arabia gathered to embrace the spirit of wellness, unity, and cross-cultural exchange.
The event marked a celebration of Yoga’s transformative role in harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit, in alignment with the global commitment to sustainability and holistic health.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, expressed his profound appreciation for the enthusiastic turnout and praised the Saudi authorities, the Saudi Yoga Committee, and the local community for their continued support. Highlighting Yoga’s universal appeal, he emphasized its power to transcend cultural and national boundaries, calling it “a bridge between civilizations” and “a symbol of unity and shared well-being.”
Padma Shri awardee Ms. Nouf Al-Marwaai, President of the Asian Yogasan Sports Federation, lauded the increasing interest in Yoga across the Kingdom. She credited the Embassy for fostering cross-cultural engagement and promoting the mental and physical benefits of Yoga among diverse communities.
Ahmed Alsady, CEO of the Saudi Yoga Committee, reiterated SYC’s commitment to advancing Yoga as an essential element of Saudi Arabia’s wellness initiatives. He commended the collaborative spirit that guided the event’s success and emphasized the long-term vision of integrating Yoga into the nation’s health ecosystem. Ms. Shahad Al-Mufti, Director at the Saudi Ministry of Sport, also attended the event, underlining official support for such inclusive wellness activities.
A dynamic Common Yoga Protocol session, led by Ms. Nervin Ashram and Ms. Seema Ghanam, allowed participants of all experience levels to engage in guided postures and breathing techniques. The vibrant atmosphere of the stadium served as an ideal backdrop for this collective expression of inner balance and rejuvenation.
The celebrations were the culmination of a series of IDY 2025 activities organized by the Embassy. Highlights included a curtain-raiser at the Embassy premises on May 17, sessions across Riyadh throughout early June, and a landmark yoga gathering on June 8 at the scenic Edge of the World. In the week leading up to IDY, students from Indian schools in Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Jubail, Khafji, and Tabouk participated in themed yoga sessions, reflecting the growing awareness of Yoga’s value among younger generations.
The 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Riyadh not only spotlighted the vitality of Yoga but also reinforced the deepening cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia, grounded in shared aspirations for health, harmony, and global unity.
