Celebration of 12th International Day of Yoga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“Yoga for Healthy Ageing”

PRESS RELEASE

The Embassy of India in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Saudi Yoga Committee and local partners, celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm at the iconic Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex, Riyadh. The event drew over 500 yoga enthusiasts and practitioners, including diplomats from resident missions in the Kingdom.

2. The International Day of Yoga (IDY), recognized by the United Nations, is celebrated globally on June 21 each year. IDY underscores the timeless relevance and benefits of Yoga. The 12^th IDY theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” highlights yoga’s transformative potential for preventive healthcare and holistic wellness.
   
   
3. Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, in his welcome address, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the extraordinary turnout and warm support from the Saudi authorities, yoga practitioners, and local community members. He underscored the universal appeal of Yoga and its huge impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Yoga practice improves mobility, sharpens cognition, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of inner peace. The Ambassador also commended Kingdom’s support in promoting the practice of Yoga and acknowledged the collaboration with the Saudi Yoga Committee as a testament to deepening cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
   
   
4. The CEO of Saudi Yoga Committee, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Al Saadi in his address underlined that Yoga is more than just a form of exercise-it transcends boundaries and unites individuals in their shared pursuit of a healthier and more harmonious lifestyle. He noted the rapid increase in yoga practitioners and professionals in the Kingdom.
   
   
5. The event was also graced by H.E. Mr. Hani Mansi, Director General, Ministry of Sports, and Mr. Nafe Alshaibani, Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
   
   
6. The Common Yoga Protocol session was conducted by Embassy Yoga instructor Mr. Prem Prabhu, with support from two women yoga instructors from the Saudi Yoga Committee- Ms. Sima Ghanam and Ms Malak Almughira. The ambience of Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex provided the perfect setting for participants to immerse themselves in different yoga asanas and experience their rejuvenating effects firsthand.
7. In the run up to the 12^th IDY, several Indian community organisations, with the support and encouragement of the Embassy, held yoga events in different parts of the Kingdom, and spread the message of “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. A curtain-raiser event was held at the Embassy on May 09. A mega yoga event was organised on June 13 in Al-Jubail in partnership with an Indian company-Expertise Ltd. In addition, the Embassy through various initiatives such as Weekly Yoga Classes has promoted “Yoga 365” to encourage daily adoption of yoga. More than 250 participants joined the Embassy's online yoga photo contest, organized to inspire yoga enthusiasts across Saudi Arabia to embrace yoga as a part of their daily routine.

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June 20, 2026

Riyadh