The International Yoga Sports Federation (IYSF)
The International Yoga Sports Federation (IYSF) is the global governing body for yoga āsana sport—a discipline that honors the art of stillness in motion. We promote excellence in yogasana competition, grounded in integrity, inclusivity, and unity across generations.
Since 2003, IYSF has been guiding the evolution of yoga as an international sport. We have a history of more than 20 world championships and built a growing network of national federations across five continents. What sets us apart is our commitment to all ages—offering categories for youth, adults, and seniors—ensuring yoga sport is truly lifelong.
Our Origins
IYSF stands on the shoulders of pioneers. The first formal āsana competitions took place in 1973 in Calcutta, India, organized by the West Bengal Yoga Federation (WBYF)—founded by students of the legendary teacher Bishnu Charan Ghosh. These early events laid the foundation for scoring, posture categories, and presentation standards still used today.
In 2003, the legacy of these competitions was revived internationally through the Bishnu Charan Ghosh Cup (often called the Ghosh Cup), held annually in Los Angeles. These championships ran every year from 2003 to 2014, attracting participants from around the world and sparking the global yoga sports movement. In 2012, Honorable B.K.S. Iyengar endorsed our organization and Championship. View the document here.
From Legacy to Leadership
Recognizing the need for unified rules and international governance, the International Yoga Sports Federation (IYSF) was founded in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2013, and officially registered in 2014. Since then, IYSF has developed the first global scoring system for yoga sport, established a tiered judge-certification program, and created international pathways for athletes and coaches alike.
Championship History
IYSF has hosted World Championships every year from 2003–2013 and biennially since:
- 2003–2013 – Annual Ghosh Cup (USA)
- 2014 – London, UK
- 2016 – Pordenone, Italy
- 2018 – Beijing, China
- 2021 – Online Edition (during COVID-19)
- 2022 – Bengaluru, India
- 2025 – Cyberjaya, Malaysia
These championships showcase IYSF’s commitment to technical rigor, artistic expression, and cultural celebration. Every event is judged using our standardized scoring system and features divisions for youth, adult, and masters athletes.
A Global Movement
Today, IYSF supports national federations in over 25 countries, including:
United States, Canada, Mexico, UK, Belgium, France, Italy, Sweden, Latvia, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Australia, Türkiye, Argentina, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Palestine, Côte d’Ivoire, and others soon rejoining.
We are actively expanding our community, supporting federations across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, while working toward establishing continental councils and regional championships.
Toward Olympic Recognition
Our long-term mission is to bring Yogasana Sports to the Olympic stage. We are actively working to meet the IOC’s criteria, including broad international participation and standardized governance. With over 25 and a goal of reach ing over 40 active and forming federations, a growing youth pipeline, and global championships, IYSF is on the path to official recognition.
Join the Movement
Whether you are an athlete, coach, judge, organizer, or simply passionate about yoga, there’s a place for you in IYSF:
- Compete at our next World Championship
- Start or grow your national federation
- Become a certified judge or coach
- Support the journey to Olympic recognition
Together, we’re writing the next chapter of yoga’s evolution as a sport—honoring tradition, embracing excellence, and inspiring the world.