Congress Leader Radha Bisht Inaugurates Event as Chief Guest
Almora | Correspondent
A two-day district-level Yogasana Sports Competition was successfully organized on 19th and 20th July 2025 by the Almora District Yogasana Association, under the aegis of the Uttarakhand Yogasana Sports Association. The event was held at the main hall of Hotel Shivalik, Almora.
The competition was formally inaugurated at 10:30 AM on 19th July by Mrs. Radha Bisht, District President (Women’s Wing), Indian National Congress, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. She lit the ceremonial lamp and began the event with the chanting of peace mantras. A number of distinguished guests and respected personalities were present to witness the event.
Kanak Negi, Taekwondo athlete and Secretary of the Organizing Committee, welcomed the chief guest by adorning her with a ceremonial badge, while Kamal Kumar Bisht, General Secretary of the organizing team, presented her with a floral bouquet.
The program was presided over by Dr. Mahendra Singh Mehra, Principal of Haridatt Petshali Inter College, Chitai, who also serves as the President of the Organizing Committee. Special guest Mrs. Hemlata Verma (Teacher) was honored with a memento and bouquet. Other dignitaries, including Narayan Singh Rautela, Chandrashekhar Shirdi, Manju Joshi, Tulsi Siyari, Komal Joshi (Taekwondo Coach), Yashpal Bhatt (Trainer), and Anant Bisht (Yoga Coach) were also felicitated with tokens of appreciation.
Mr. Jasod Singh Bisht, coordinator of the Almora District Yogasana Association, welcomed the chief guest with a ceremonial shawl.
The panel of judges for the event included Anant Bisht, Amitesh, Dhara Vallabh Pandey, Dr. Mahendra Singh Mehra, Girish Singh Adhikari, Ajay, and Kavita Bisht.
As informed by District Secretary Girish Singh Adhikari, over 50 yoga practitioners, aged between 10 to 55 years, participated in various categories including Rhythmic, Traditional, and Artistic Yogasana.
The winners of this 5th District Yogasana Championship will now move forward to represent the district in the upcoming State-Level Yogasana Competition.
Kamal Kumar Bisht, General Secretary of the organizing committee, stated that the primary objective of this event is to promote yoga as a sport, to prepare athletes for national and international levels, and to provide proper training, leadership, and opportunities to help them win medals.
He also acknowledged the many challenges involved in organizing such events without major institutional funding—highlighting the need for personal contributions, financial support, physical efforts, and mental commitment. He praised the tireless efforts and unity of the organizing team, whose hard work and dedication played a crucial role in the successful execution of this competition.
The opening match in the sub-junior category was held between Navya Bhakuni and Shreya in the Artistic Single event, where both emerged victorious in their rounds and advanced to the next stage.
