JEDDAH: June 21 was the International Day of Yoga. This year’s edition, the 10th, was held under the theme “Yoga for Self and Society,” emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. To mark the occasion in Riyadh, a celebration was held at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Olympic Complex in collaboration with the Saudi Yoga Committee and the Ministry of Sports of Saudi Arabia. India’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan; Nouf Al-Marwaai, president of the Saudi Yoga Committee and Padma Shri Awardee; and Rajashree Choudhary, president of the International Yoga Sports Federation, were among those in attendance. A Yogasana (a sport focusing on the physical side of yoga) session was led by the renowned SYC instructor Alhanouf Saad. Al-Marwaai said: “It is with great joy and pride that we welcome all to the 10th International Yoga Day celebration here in Saudi Arabia. Today marks a significant milestone in our journey of promoting health, harmony and peace through yoga. “Yoga has grown in Saudi Arabia and it is becoming a phenomenon embraced by thousands for its profound benefits to the mind, body and spirit,” she added. Emphasizing the importance of the inclusion of yoga in daily life in Saudi Arabia, Choudhary — who is visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time — told Arab News that she feels happy that, over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a surge in the popularity of yoga. “I was following Saudis’ acceptance of yoga because Nouf Al-Marwaai’s contribution to yoga in Saudi Arabia is well-known. We were following each other because we had the same dreams and difficulties. She took the initiative to bring me to Saudi Arabia and I am here as a guest of the Ministry of Sports. I participated in the 10th International Day of Yoga and experienced an enormous love of yoga. This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ perfectly exemplifies the growth of yoga today in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” She added: “I am glad that I am here and I will stand for women’s and children’s empowerment. I am sure that Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia will bring more positive change and will empower the younger generation.” Regarding the IYSF’s upcoming cooperation with the SYC, she said: “IYSF is working with several yoga federations around the world to develop Yogasana into an official Olympic sport. Increased awareness will encourage existing practitioners to sharpen their skills through training, dedication, and devotion, and will inspire new practitioners. “The IYSF aims to govern this organization with the sole mission of promoting, unifying, and increasing interest in Yogasana globally. The SYC is definitely a member of our federation and active in our programs,” she added. As part of the International Day of Yoga celebrations, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh also organized a seminar on June 20, in collaboration with the SYC and the Ministry of Sports. The event featured screenings of documentaries on the history of yoga and the International Day of Yoga. In December 2014, the UN designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga to promote global awareness of the benefits of yoga practice.