International Day of Yoga | World Yogasana champion Roop Kishore: No one can become a master of yoga

International Day of Yoga: Roop Kishore on Yoga Mastery and Global Recognition

International Day of Yoga – As the world marks International Day of Yoga, the occasion highlights the enduring relevance of the ancient practice. Roop Kishore, a 47-year-old Border Security Force (BSF) member and World Yogasana champion, emphasizes that yoga is not a static achievement but a continuous journey of growth. His participation in the International Day of Yoga celebrations underscores the sport’s rising prominence on the global stage.

The Legacy of Yoga and Its Modern Evolution

Roop Kishore’s victory at the inaugural World Yogasana Championship, held in Amdavad, Gujarat, coincided with the International Day of Yoga. This event, which took place on June 21, marks a pivotal moment in yoga’s transition from a spiritual discipline to a competitive sport. Kishore, who competed in the Senior C category (45-55 age group), won gold, reinforcing the idea that yoga can be practiced and mastered at any age. His success reflects the growing global recognition of International Day of Yoga as a platform to celebrate and elevate the sport.

Roop’s journey began with a deep personal connection to yoga. Originally from Etah, Uttar Pradesh, he trained in Gurugram and resides in Lucknow. His dedication to the practice started in 2002 when he joined the BSF, and he later enrolled in an instructor course at the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in Delhi. Over the years, he has honed his skills in forward bends and hand-balancing postures, which are central to his competitive edge. His commitment to International Day of Yoga has also inspired him to offer free classes to local elders and homemakers, bridging the gap between elite athletes and the general public.

Roop Kishore’s Achievements and Future Goals

Roop’s achievements in the world of yoga are impressive. He was first selected for the BSF team in 2016 and began competing nationally in 2017. By 2022, he had already secured a gold medal, and his bronze in 2025 further solidified his reputation as a formidable athlete. Now, he aims to participate in upcoming events such as the World Police Championships and the Asian Championship, with aspirations to represent India in the 2030 Commonwealth Games. His latest victory at the World Yogasana Championship is seen as a stepping stone toward these ambitions.

“I train for six hours a day, but even with that, mastering yoga is a lifelong endeavor,” Kishore said, reflecting on the challenges of the practice. “The eight limbs of Patanjali—yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharaṇa, dhyana, and samadhi—require constant refinement, and no one can truly claim to be a master. International Day of Yoga reminds us that this journey is not just about competition but about unity and holistic well-being.”

Kishore’s success is attributed in part to his BSF coach, Inspector Subhash Bishnoi, whose mentorship has been instrumental in his development. The coach’s guidance and motivation have helped Roop achieve a balance between his military duties and yoga training. His story is a testament to how International Day of Yoga has encouraged individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue the practice with passion and perseverance.

The World Yogasana Championship, which attracted over 60 countries, has become a significant event for International Day of Yoga. With finalists hailing from the U.S., Russia, Uzbekistan, and Canada, the competition showcases yoga’s global appeal. The inclusion of such events on June 21 highlights the increasing integration of yoga into international sporting calendars. Roop Kishore’s win not only brings pride to India but also reinforces the importance of International Day of Yoga in promoting the sport’s cultural and physical benefits worldwide.

International Day of Yoga serves as a powerful reminder of yoga’s transformative potential. As Roop Kishore