In a landmark decision, the Maharashtra Government has officially included yoga as a category in the annual Shiv Chhatrapati Awards. These awards, established in 1969-70, have historically recognized sportspersons and coaches who have excelled at the state, national, and international levels. The recent resolution signifies a broader acknowledgment of the importance of yoga in the realm of sports and wellness.
The decision to incorporate yoga into the prestigious awards was announced on Friday through a government resolution, which outlined the changes made to the existing rules. In 2019, a committee was formed under the leadership of Dhanraj Pillay, the former hockey captain, to suggest revisions to the Shiv Chhatrapati Awards rules. Following the committee’s recommendations, the rules were revised in January 2020.
Of the 38 disciplines for which these awards are presented, yoga finds its place at the bottom. This development reflects a growing recognition of the significance of yoga in the current lifestyle and its cultural legacy.
MLC Satyajeet Tambe, who had consistently advocated for the inclusion of yoga in the awards, expressed his satisfaction with the decision. He highlighted that yoga practitioners would now be eligible for government schemes, including grace marks and job reservations.
Tambe emphasized the crucial role yoga plays in contemporary lifestyles, underscoring that its inclusion in sports awards is a commendable step to encourage more people to adopt this ancient wellness discipline. He had been persistently urging the government to recognize yoga as a sport, and this decision is seen as a fitting tribute to yoga and its cultural heritage.
The recognition of yoga in the Shiv Chhatrapati Awards aligns with the state’s commitment to honor athletes and coaches across various categories, including the Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Sports Mentor Award, Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award, Eklavya State Sports Award (disabled), Adventure Sports Award, and Jijamata Sports Award.
State Sports Minister Sanjay Bansode had earlier assured that rules for yoga’s inclusion in the Shiv Chhatrapati Awards would be prepared by December 31. The move signifies a positive shift in acknowledging diverse sporting disciplines and promoting the holistic well-being associated with yoga.
Suvarna Deolankar, Vice-Principal of St Mira’s School for Girls, welcomed the decision, noting that it would contribute to increasing awareness about yoga. However, she acknowledged the need for more yoga competitions to allow practitioners to demonstrate their achievements at various levels.
