Celebration of 11th International Day of Yoga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“Yoga for One Earth, One Health”

PRESS RELEASE

The Embassy of India in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Saudi Yoga Committee and local partners, celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm at the iconic Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium. The event drew over 500 yoga enthusiasts, practitioners, and supporters from across the Kingdom.

2. The International Day of Yoga (IDY), proclaimed by the United Nations, is celebrated globally on June 21 each year. IDY underscores the timeless relevance and benefits of Yoga- a practice that harmonizes the body, mind, and spirit. The 2025 IDY theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasizes Yoga’s role in promoting both individual well-being and global harmony, aligning with shared values of sustainability, peace, and holistic health.

3. Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, 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 transformative impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. He said that Yoga is more than just a form of exercise-it is a bridge between cultures and civilizations. It transcends boundaries and unites individuals in their shared pursuit of a healthier and more harmonious lifestyle. He also commended the 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. Padma Shri awardee Ms. Nouf Al-Marwaai, President of the Asian Yogasan Sports Federation and a pioneering advocate of Yoga in Saudi Arabia, spoke about the steady rise in Yoga’s popularity across the Kingdom. She praised the Embassy of India for its continued efforts in spreading awareness and forging cross-cultural engagement through Yoga.

5. Mr. Ahmed Alsady, CEO of the Saudi Yoga Committee, also addressed the gathering, reaffirming SYC’s mission to promote Yoga as an integral component of Saudi Arabia’s evolving health and wellness landscape. He emphasized the importance of integrating Yoga into everyday life and appreciated the Embassy’s role in supporting such collaborative initiatives. Ms Shahad Al-Mufti, Director, Saudi Ministry of Sport also graced the event.

6. The Common Yoga Protocol session, led by two women Yoga instructors- Ms Nervin Ashram and Ms Seema Ghanam, enabled participants of all skill levels to practice foundational yoga postures and breathing techniques. The ambience of Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium provided the perfect setting for participants to immerse themselves in different yoga asanas and experience their rejuvenating effects firsthand.

7. The IDY event held today marked the culmination of Embassy organized activities centered on Yoga. The celebrations began with a curtain-raiser event at the Embassy on May 17, followed by multiple sessions under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” in early June. A standout event took place at the iconic Edge of the World on June 8, showcasing yoga in a breathtaking natural backdrop.

From June 14 to June 20, students from Indian schools in Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Jubail, Khafji, and Tabouk participated in exciting yoga sessions. Their enthusiasm and unity reflected the spirit of wellness, harmony, and togetherness that yoga promotes.

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June 21, 2025

Riyadh