Smriti Irani gives away prizes to winners of first 'yoga olympiad'

Giving away prizes to winners of 1st National Yoga Olympiad here today Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister, Smriti Irani exhorted the participants to make Yoga an integral part of their life.

Irani emphasized that Yoga is the only source to ensure peace and stability in life and to remove academic stress.

She said scientific evidence shows that Yoga improves motor skills and betters hand-eye coordination adding that it also ensures good health as well as peace of mind.

The Minister appealed to parents as well as teachers to spare time for Yoga themselves so that children imbibe the habit of Yoga on regular basis.

Announcing revamping of Yoga departments from this academic session in 6 Central Universities, she expressed hope that seeds of Yoga being sown at school level today will fructify at university level tomorrow.

Making a special mention of participants in Yoga Olympiad from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, she hoped participation from every State in next year's Yoga Olympiad.

Irani asked all parents and students to convey special thanks to the Prime Minister for his unique initiative of organizing international Yoga Day on June 21st throughout the world.

Teams were divided into four categories - Upper Primary Girls, Upper Primary Boys, Secondary Girls and Secondary Boys. A total of 322 students along with their 80 teachers from 21 states participated in the Yoga Olympiad performance on June 18 and 19.

Students belonging to different communities took part in this event with the spirit of yoga. In the four categories, a total number of 48 participants, 4 each for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were selected.