The inaugural event for the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 was held in the Turkmen resort town of Awaza. Indian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu addressed the participants.

Addressing the gathering, the ambassador recalled that International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21st worldwide. The official theme for the 2026 observance, approved by the Ministry of Ayurveda of the Government of India, is "Yoga for Healthy Aging." According to the diplomat, yoga not only promotes physical well-being but also promotes global peace.

Bandaru Wilsonbabu recalled that on December 11, 2014, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 21 as International Day of Yoga, recognizing its holistic contribution to human health and well-being. Since then, the day has been celebrated on every continent by hundreds of millions of people of all ages.

In his speech, the ambassador particularly highlighted the role of the Yoga and Traditional Medicine Center at the Bagtyyarlyk Sports Complex in Ashgabat, which opened in July 2015 during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Turkmenistan. According to him, since its opening, the center has become a symbol of Indian-Turkmen cooperation and humanitarian ties between the two countries. The Indian Embassy in Ashgabat annually hosts joint yoga events with the Turkmen side and organizes regular classes at the center with local instructors.

The diplomat expressed gratitude to the government of Turkmenistan for its continued support of the center's activities and praised the country's policy of permanent neutrality.