On June 21, 2026, the International Day of Yoga was observed at the UDST Cricket Ground in Doha, bringing together expatriates and diplomats for a large‑scale celebration organized by the Indian Embassy in Qatar.
The embassy collaborated with the Indian Sports Centre, Indian Cultural Centre, Indian Community Benevolent Forum and the Indian Business and Professionals Council Qatar to host the event under the global theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” emphasizing longevity and well‑being.
His Excellency Mr. Vipul, Ambassador of India to Qatar, arrived as chief guest. The ceremony also welcomed ambassadors and officials such as Mr. Hammoudi Al‑Sheikh of the Central African Republic, Mr. Khalid Abdul Rahman Al Fakroo, advisor at the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Khalid Al Fakroo, senior engineer at Qatar Energy, Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Mannai, chairman of Mannai Corporation, and Ms. Alaa Soleiman of the Qatar Women’s National Basketball Team.
Key embassy officers – Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Sandeep Kumar, First Secretaries Mr. Vaibhav Tandle, Mr. Ish Singhal and Mr. Harish Pandey – received special thanks for their planning and coordination, which ensured smooth execution of the mass yoga session.
Among the many community groups, Karnataka Sangha Qatar stood out with the highest turnout. Led by President Mr. Subramanya Hebbagelu, the association’s members filled the venue, performing asanas and pranayama with notable discipline. Ambassador Vipul praised KSQ for its enthusiasm and ongoing contribution to health and community cohesion.
Adding a cultural flair, KSQ presented a yoga dance that blended traditional Indian music with graceful movements. The performance featured yoga masters Ashwini C. B., Niveda C. B. and Amir Zahraoui, captivating the audience and highlighting the artistic side of yoga.
The event not only showcased the growing interest in yoga among expatriates but also reinforced the cultural ties between India and Qatar, setting a vibrant precedent for future celebrations.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf