Yoga Sports Competition

(Offline & Online Format)

1. Introduction and Vision

Yoga, an ancient practice of physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, has evolved into a competitive sport globally. The Modern Pythian Games recognizes Yoga Sports as a core discipline, promoting cultural health, unity, and excellence. Participants will showcase strength, flexibility, control, balance, breathing, and mindfulness through structured performances.

The competition will be held in two formats:

• Offline (In-person Stage Performance)
• Online (Live or Pre-recorded Submission)

It is open to both general and disabled (Para) participants, who will compete separately in their respective categories.

2. International Names and Recognition

Yoga as a competitive art form is known by different names worldwide:

• India: Yoga Sports / Yogasana Competition
• Russia: Йога-спорт (Yoga-sport)
• USA/UK/Canada: Competitive Yoga / Yoga Championship
• Japan: ヨガスポーツ (Yoga Supōtsu)
• France: Compétition de Yoga
• Germany: Yoga-Wettbewerb

Modern Pythian Games unites these styles under one inclusive platform.

3. Description of the Game

Yoga Sports Competition is a judged performance where participants perform a sequence of Yogasana (yoga postures) that demonstrate:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Balance
• Control
• Breath regulation
• Harmony of body and mind

Each performance is limited in time and scored by a professional jury on technical perfection, difficulty, and presentation.

4. Modes of Participation

Offline Mode (In-person)

• Participants perform live on stage before a jury.
• Duration: 2–4 minutes per participant or team.
• Venue: Approved by the Pythian Organizing Committee.

Online Mode

• Option 1: Live performance via video conferencing.
• Option 2: Pre-recorded video (with time/date stamp) submitted through the official portal.
• Videos must be unedited and recorded in a single take.

Both formats are judged using the same criteria.

5. Registration Process

• Step 1: Visit the official Modern Pythian Games website or mobile app.
• Step 2: Choose your participation mode (Online/Offline).
• Step 3: Fill the registration form with personal and performance details.
• Step 4: Upload ID proof, medical certificate (for disabled category), and a passport-size photograph.
• Step 5: Pay the registration fee (non-refundable).

Last date for registration is 15 days before the event.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• Open to all nationalities.
• Minimum age: 6 years (Age groups specified below).
• Participants must be physically and mentally fit.
• Separate divisions for General and Disabled (Para) Athletes.
• Each participant must declare any physical limitations or medical conditions.

7. Dress Code

• Participants must wear appropriate yoga attire (comfortable, body-fitting, and non-restrictive).
• Colors: Plain, sober, and non-distracting.
• No shoes or socks allowed during performance.
• For online participants, background must be clean, well-lit, and distraction-free.
• Disabled participants may use assistive gear upon pre-approval.

8. Categories and Age Divisions

Each division will have Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.

General Categories

• Sub-Junior (6–10 years)
• Junior (11–15 years)
• Youth (16–20 years)
• Adults (21–35 years)
• Senior (36–50 years)
• Veterans (51+ years)

Disabled Categories (Para Yoga)

• Visually Impaired
• Hearing Impaired
• Physically Disabled (Seated or Assisted)
• Intellectually Disabled

Each category will have male, female, and mixed entries, including solo and group performances (up to 5 per team).

9. How It Is Played

• Participants perform a sequence of 5 yoga postures.
• Each posture must be held for a minimum of 5 seconds and maximum 20 seconds.
• Transition between postures must be smooth and rhythmic.
• Breathing must be controlled and visible.
• The total performance time must not exceed 4 minutes.

10. Jury Panel and Qualifications

• Minimum 3 certified yoga judges per panel.
• Judges must have:
  • International or national-level certification in Yoga or Physical Education.
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in yoga coaching or judging.
  • Knowledge of modern scoring and ethical judging practices.
  • No direct relation to participants.

11. Scoring Criteria

Maximum score: 100 Points, distributed as follows:

• Technical Execution (40 points): Correct posture alignment, stability, balance, duration held.
• Difficulty Level (20 points): Complexity of poses selected, transitions and flow.
• Presentation (20 points): Grace and expression, confidence and body control.
• Breath Control (10 points): Synchronization of breath with movement.
• Overall Impact (10 points): Stage presence (or video quality in online), artistic and spiritual appeal.

12. Winning Criteria

• Highest scorers receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in each category.
• In case of a tie, the participant with higher marks in “Technical Execution” will be ranked higher.
• Certificates will be awarded to all participants.
• Jury decisions are final and binding.

13. Additional Rules and Regulations

• Each participant can compete in only one age and disability category.
• Disqualification grounds:
  • Use of prohibited substances or assistance
  • Over-edited videos in online mode
  • Misrepresentation of eligibility
• Live sessions may be recorded for fairness and transparency.
• All online videos are subjected to plagiarism and duplication checks.
• The organizing body holds the right to disqualify or cancel entries for breach of rules.

14. Ethics and Transparency Guidelines

• Judges must sign a declaration of neutrality.
• Organizers must ensure no judge evaluates any student or athlete from their own academy or training center.
• Scoring sheets will be maintained for all participants and available on request after results.
• Live or recorded jury feedback may be shared for learning purposes.