Chief of Tata Steel sports department Sanjeeva Singh (left) at a news meet at JRD Tata Sports Complex. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, April 16: Yoga enthusiasts from different states and countries would touch base in the steel city on April 19 to take part in the 4th India Open Yoga Championship.

Being organised by Tata Steel and Karmakar Institute of Yoga, around 500 participants from 15 states, including the hosts, are expected to take part in the event. Eight yoga enthusiasts are expected from abroad.

Addressing reporters, officials said that foreign participants include Ellenie Liu from China, Dorothy from Malaysia, Olivia from Macaw, Vicky from Singapore and Eda and Phebe from Hong Kong. Two others are expected to confirm participation soon.

Officials added that although these people have been practising yoga for a long time, it would be perhaps the first time when they take part in a competition. For example, Dorothy — already a yoga teacher in her country — would be a contestant here, officials said.

The Community Development and Social Welfare department has already co-ordinated five coaching camps in the city — at Sonari Community Centre; DAV Public School, Bhatia Park, and JRD Tata Sports Complex — to train local talents for the competition.

Officials pointed out that the coaching camps were a huge success as more than 500 participants from various parts of the city took part in them. Apart from learning the techniques, the camp also helped them improve their technical skills.

Tata Steel (sports and TFA) chief Sanjeeva Singh pointed out that yoga has become enormously popular.

“Earlier, in sports also, we used to adopt the foreign methods of training during warm-ups but now, even at national camps, yoga is practised. Even in the three academies run by the steel giant, we have kept yoga teachers who groom cadets,” said Singh.

Officials pointed out that the championships would be organised in 10 different groups for both boys and girls.

The categories are sub-junior (under 8 and above 12 years), junior (12-18 years), senior (18-30 years) and veterans (including those above 30 years).