On 29Augeest 2026, the Department of Physical Education at VHNSN College, Virudhunagar, organised District-Level Inter-School and Inter-Collegiate Yoga Competitions as part of the 11th International Day of Yoga. The event brought together students from schools and colleges in the district and provided them with an opportunity to demonstrate their yoga skills in a competitive setting.
Event highlights
The competition was organised by the Department of Physical Education, VHNSN College. The college has an established Physical Education Department with a dedicated team led by Dr. T. Murugesan, Director of Physical Education, along with faculty members including Dr. K. Selvakumar, Mr. M. Ramkumar and Ms. M. Ragavi.
The programme combined the objectives of International Yoga Day with competitive sports. Rather than being limited to a ceremonial yoga demonstration, the event gave school and college students a district-level platform to participate actively in yoga.
School and college participation
The event was divided into two broad categories:
- Inter-School Yoga Competition – providing school students with an opportunity to compete with participants from other schools in Virudhunagar district.
- Inter-Collegiate Yoga Competition – allowing college students to demonstrate their skills at the higher-education level.
This structure encouraged participation from students at different educational stages while creating a pathway for young practitioners to gain experience in organised competitions.
Importance of yoga for students
Yoga offers benefits that extend beyond physical flexibility. For students, regular practice can help develop:
- Physical fitness and flexibility
- Balance and body coordination
- Concentration and mental discipline
- Breathing control
- Stress management
- Self-confidence and discipline
By incorporating yoga into competitive sporting activities, educational institutions can encourage students to view it not only as a wellness practice but also as a structured physical activity.
Continuing tradition at VHNSN College
The 2026 event was part of a continuing tradition at VHNSN College. The Department of Physical Education has organised similar Virudhunagar District-Level Inter-School and Inter-Collegiate Yoga Competitions on International Yoga Day in previous years. The college records the same type of event in 2025, as well as competitions connected with International Yoga Day in 2024 and 2023.
The college also hosted the Madurai Kamaraj University Inter-Collegiate Men’s and Women’s Yoga Championship in October 2024, demonstrating its broader involvement in organised yoga competitions.
International Yoga Day connection
The competition was conducted on 21 June, the date observed globally as the International Day of Yoga. Holding district-level competitions on the occasion helped connect the international campaign promoting yoga with practical student participation at the local level.
The college’s activities also included a separate NSS session on “Yoga for Adolescents” during International Yoga Day in 2025, showing its wider emphasis on introducing yoga and wellness activities to young people.
Contribution to Virudhunagar’s sporting culture
The yoga competition adds to the growing range of sporting activities conducted in Virudhunagar. VHNSN College’s Physical Education Department has also organised swimming, badminton, track and field, kho-kho, basketball, football and other competitions.
For school and college students, such district-level events provide valuable opportunities to compete, gain confidence and represent their institutions. They also encourage educational institutions to give greater importance to physical education and wellness.