International Yoga Day Gathers Over 1,000 Participants in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A large-scale celebration of the 12th International Yoga Day took place in the Central Park of Tashkent. The event, which brought together more than 1,000 enthusiasts of the ancient practice, was organized by the Embassy of India in Uzbekistan and the Lal Bahadur Shastri Cultural Centre.

The Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan acted as partners for the event. This year's program was held under the official motto "Yoga for Healthy Longevity." Organizers and participants emphasized the potential of yoga as an effective tool for maintaining long-term physical activity, emotional balance, and psychological resilience.

Sharifjon Momindjanov, Advisor to the Minister of Sports of Uzbekistan, attended the event as the chief guest. He highlighted the dynamic growth of yoga's popularity among the population of the republic and noted the coordinated efforts of the Indian diplomatic mission and the domestic federation to promote a healthy lifestyle.

In her welcoming address, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India, Smita Pant, drew attention to the preventive potential of yoga in combating age-related diseases. The UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Sabine Machl, also addressed the participants, calling for the practice to be viewed as an accessible way to improve the quality of life.

The festive program featured a special video message from the famous Indian actress and parliamentarian, Hema Malini. Additionally, a themed Ayurvedic zone titled "Ayurveda for People and Planet" was set up in the park, where visitors could browse specialized literature and natural products for a healthy lifestyle.

The Tashkent event served as the culmination of a large-scale celebratory campaign. Earlier in May and June, regional sessions of International Yoga Day were successfully held at the Denau Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy, Urgench State University, Babur Park in Namangan, the Khudayar Khan Palace in Kokand, and the "Bokiy Bukhoro" park in Bukhara.