On June 21, 2026 the International Day of Yoga was observed at the UDST Cricket Ground in Doha, bringing together expatriates, diplomats and local officials for a mass wellness event organised by the Indian Embassy in Qatar.
The Embassy collaborated with the Indian Sports Centre, Indian Cultural Centre, Indian Community Benevolent Forum and Indian Business and Professionals Council Qatar to stage a celebration under the global theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. Participants performed a range of asanas and breathing exercises aimed at longevity and vitality.
His Excellency Mr. Vipul, Ambassador of India to Qatar, served as chief guest. The ceremony also welcomed His Excellency Mr. Hammoudi Al-Sheikh, Ambassador of the Central African Republic to Qatar, advisor Mr. Khalid Abdul Rahman Al Fakroo of the Ministry of Labour, senior engineer Mr. Khalid Al Fakroo of Qatar Energy, chairman Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Mannai of Mannai Corporation and Ms. Alaa Soleiman of the Qatar Women’s National Basketball Team.
Key diplomatic staff received special acknowledgment for their planning role, including Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Vaibhav Tandle, First Secretary (Economics and Commerce), Mr. Ish Singhal, First Secretary (Labour and Community Welfare, Visa and OCI) and Mr. Harish Pandey, First Secretary (Education and Culture).
Among the cultural groups present, Karnataka Sangha Qatar recorded the highest turnout. Led by President Mr. Subramanya Hebbagelu, the association’s members joined the mass session with disciplined asana sequences and enthusiastic pranayama.
The group also delivered a Cultural Yoga Dance, choreographed by yoga masters Ashwini C. B., Niveda C. B. and Amir Zahraoui. Their performance blended traditional Indian music with dynamic yoga poses, earning commendation from Ambassador Vipul for promoting health, community spirit and cultural pride.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf