With the theme Yoga for health, well being and sustainable development, the 24th State Level Yoga Physique Championship, 2019 organised by the Yoga Physique Institute & Studies Manipur (YPISM) was opened in Imphal on Friday.
On the inaugural function of the championship, Governor of Manipur Dr Najma Heptulla, president Th Samungou of YPISM and general secretary Manipur Thinker Forum M Asnikumar Singh attended as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla stated that Yoga education amongst the youth can be an effective tool to counter the menace of substance abuse and drug addiction prevalent widely in the State of Manipur.
The 24th state Level Yoga Physique Championship, 2019 will certainly help the young sportspersons to grow and maintain their physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being, she said.
In addition, this championship is to put together in one event, the overwhelming complexity of the entire Yoga arts and traditions of various ethnic communities of the State.
Manipur’s rich heritage of Yoga, which constitutes a significant component of the culture of the people, remains largely unexplored.
Though Manipur is famous for its dances and sports, Yoga also needs to be taken up for a closer study to understand and unravel the underlying historical and cultural meaning of such practices.
As part of the day’s inaugural programme, the YPISM students and intellectual disability Group BB Paul Mental Development Home, Mongshangei presented Yoga Demonstration and Certificates of Honour were also distributed to donors and juries.
It may be mentioned that more than 250 candidates are participating in this championship and it will continue till October 12.