An inaugural ceremony was hosted in the resort city of Avaza, marking the official commencement of national events celebrating the 12th iteration of the International Day of Yoga in Turkmenistan for the calendar year 2026. The promotional session featured an executive address delivered by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu.

In his remarks, the ambassador highlighted that the International Day of Yoga is celebrated globally on June 21 each year. The official international theme approved for 2026 by the Ministry of Ayush of the Government of India is designated as "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." The diplomat emphasized that the ancient practice extends beyond standard physiological conditioning, serving as a comprehensive matrix for psycho-somatic health and contributing structurally to global peace and international solidarity.

Ambassador Wilsonbabu referenced the historical timeline of the event, reminding participants that the United Nations General Assembly officially adopted a resolution on December 11, 2014, proclaiming June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. This institutional framework codified the global recognition of yoga's holistic health and wellness benefits. Since its inception, the annual observance has engaged hundreds of millions of practitioners across all continents and age demographics.

Furthermore, the ambassador underscored the strategic value of the Yoga and Traditional Medicine Centre, which was inaugurated at the Bagtyýarlyk Sports Complex in Ashgabat during the official state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Turkmenistan in July 2015. According to the diplomat, the facility has evolved into an institutional anchor for Indo-Turkmen humanitarian cooperation and cultural diplomacy. The Embassy of India continues to collaborate with local authorities to coordinate mass yoga sessions and specialized instructor training programs. The diplomat concluded by expressing formal gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for its systematic support of the center and lauded the nation's foreign policy of permanent neutrality.