What is Yoga Sports?

What is Yoga Sports?

Yoga Sports returns to the sporting schedule for the second time in Australian Masters Games history. But what is Yoga Sports?

Yoga Sports is a discipline that focuses on the physical aspects of yoga, emphasising strength, flexibility, and balance. The sport combines the traditional poses of yoga with the thrill of competition, offering athletes of all ages the chance to push their limits and grow while connecting with a like-minded community.

Candice Noble, President of the Federation of Australian Yoga Sports (FAYS), is on a mission to introduce the world of Yoga Sports to those seeking a unique way to challenge themselves physically and mentally.

Where Yoga Sports started

Yoga competitions have been around almost as long as yoga itself and is a sport with deep roots. Early contests in India featured poses (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation.

Today, Yoga Sports has evolved into a global competitive discipline governed by the International Yoga Sports Federation (IYSF), which was founded in 2003. The organisation’s mission is to promote and unify Yoga Asana worldwide, bringing people together through the art and sport of yoga.

How Yoga Sports works

Yoga Sports is a competition where athletes perform six different poses, selected from six posture groups. This includes backward bending, forward compression, twist, traction, lift and inversion.

The challenge Yoga Sports brings is its complexity, and holding each pose with strength, precision, and stillness. Competitors are judged based on factors like posture time, difficulty, fluidity of the routine, and overall execution.

“Competitors must hold posture in stillness for a minimum of 3 seconds to receive a score Sounds easy right? It’s definitely harder than in looks,” Candice explains.

Benefits of Yoga Sports

Yoga Sports goes beyond competing. It’s about continual growth, improvement, and enhancing your personal practice.

“Yoga helps keep the body strong, healthy, and full of vitality,” says Candice.

“As we age, maintaining strength, flexibility, and balance is vital. Yoga Sports, especially masters, can inspire others to take steps towards better health and well-being,” she adds.

Building a supportive Yoga Sports community

At its core, Yoga Sports is about camaraderie and building connections.

As Candice explains, “Community is at the heart of Yoga Sports. Athletes from all walks of life support each other, celebrate successes, and encourage personal growth.”

This supportive environment can be especially empowering for first-time competitors.

Candice recalls her own experience, “At my first competition, I was so nervous, but the athletes were incredibly supportive, offering tips and encouragement. It was a genuinely welcoming environment, and that’s something you don’t always find in competitive sports.”

For anyone interested in joining Yoga Sports, especially those new to the discipline, Candice offers heartfelt advice, “Please do! The only person you’re truly competing with is yourself. Step outside your comfort zone, celebrate where you are, and enjoy the journey, it’s more important than the destination.”

Yoga Sports is not just a competition, it’s a celebration of personal progress and community. The Australian Masters Games is the perfect place to experience the spirit of Yoga Sports. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or trying it for the first time, we invite you to join us in Canberra, 18 – 25 October 2025.

Ready to take the first step in your Yoga Sports journey? Register now for Yoga Sports at the 20^th Australian Masters Games and experience the challenge, growth, and camaraderie that await.