KOCHI:The Yoga Association of Kerala will be organising various programmes as a part of the International Yoga Day on June 21. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the function that is to be held at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium at Kadavanthara.
According to B Balachandran, state president, Yoga Association of Kerala, yoga demonstration by around 1,000 practitioners will be held as a part of the celebrations. “Unlike last year, only a single demonstration will be held this year. Participants have been selected from all over Ernakulam district. They are being trained by their respective clubs,” he said.
June 21 was recognised as International Yoga Day in 2015, said Balachandran. “At present, there are only 26 registered yoga clubs in the district. Ernakulam can do better and for this to happen more people need to be made aware of the benefits of yoga,” he said.
According to him, yoga got a boost after the state government recognised it. “Yoga has been identified as a sports event and championships are being organised. Students are even being given credits for participating in such competitions. The other plus point is that anybody over the age of eight can participate in these competitions,” he added. He said at present, yoga is being offered as a course at Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala.
Sports Minister A C Moideen, former MP P Rajeev, GCDA chairman N Mohanan and M P Pathrose are the other dignitaries who will be taking part in the programme.