IDY 2026: India Champions Yoga for Healthy Ageing at Abuja Celebration
Oru Leonard
ABUJA – India and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting healthy living and stronger people-to-people ties through yoga, as hundreds gathered in Abuja to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.
The event, organised by the High Commission of India in Nigeria at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, highlighted the growing role of yoga in fostering wellness, healthy ageing, and social harmony.
Speaking at the celebration, the High Commissioner-Designate of India to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, described yoga as one of India’s enduring contributions to global well-being, noting that the ancient practice continues to inspire millions across cultures and continents.
He said this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” underscores the importance of maintaining physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional balance throughout life.
According to Ambassador Singh, yoga offers a holistic approach to health by integrating the mind, body, and spirit while promoting harmony between humanity and nature.
“In a fast-changing world marked by stress and uncertainty, yoga provides a pathway to improved concentration, greater flexibility, inner peace, and overall well-being,” he said.
The envoy recalled that the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that yoga’s global significance was further recognised when UNESCO inscribed it on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
Describing yoga as a “secret superpower,” Singh said the practice equips individuals with the resilience and calmness needed to navigate life’s challenges while enhancing decision-making and productivity.
He noted that yoga has evolved into a universal language of wellness, transcending geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries to unite people around the world in the pursuit of healthier lifestyles.
The High Commissioner-designate commended the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, corporate sponsors, and members of the Indian community for their support in making the event a success.
He encouraged participants to embrace yoga beyond the annual celebration and integrate its principles into their daily routines to achieve lasting physical and mental well-being.
The event attracted top government officials, diplomats, students, and fitness enthusiasts, including Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Babagana Wakil; High Commissioner-Designate of Nigeria to India, Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Shehu Dikko; and Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Bukola Olopade.
The celebration formed part of global activities marking the 12th International Day of Yoga and further strengthened cooperation between India and Nigeria in advancing health awareness, wellness advocacy, and cultural exchange.
