The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has rolled out long-term yoga coaching classes for school-going boys and girls in Sri Vijaya Puram. The early morning sessions are being held at the Netaji Stadium Sports Complex from 5:00 am to 6:30 am on all working days, except Sundays and gazetted holidays.
The move is part of the Administration’s sustained efforts to integrate health, discipline, and holistic development into students’ daily lives. The program aims to introduce young students to yoga as a regular wellness activity, encouraging them to build physical fitness and mental stability from an early age.
The coaching sessions are open to all interested students, and registration is currently ongoing. Students can enroll directly with the Yoga Instructor or Physical Education Teacher (PET) at the stadium. For ease of access, the Directorate has also provided a contact number, 9531807157, for inquiries and registration-related queries.
These sessions are being delivered by qualified trainers and are designed to suit the age and fitness levels of young children. With increasing awareness about the mental and physical benefits of yoga, authorities believe the initiative will help reduce stress and improve academic performance by enhancing concentration and emotional regulation.
The Netaji Stadium Sports Complex, known for hosting several athletic and fitness activities, has been identified as the ideal venue for this program due to its central location and existing infrastructure. The stadium also acts as a nodal hub for various youth and sports development programs under the Directorate.
While yoga has been promoted nationwide through events such as International Yoga Day, this long-term coaching initiative marks a shift toward institutionalizing the practice at the school level. It reflects the Directorate’s growing emphasis on wellness and preventive health, especially in school environments where sedentary lifestyles and screen dependency are becoming more common.
According to officials, the early morning slot was chosen deliberately to instill discipline and create a routine that students can carry forward through adulthood. Additionally, practicing yoga in the morning has been known to improve flexibility, breathing, metabolism, and attention span.
Parents and guardians have been urged to encourage their children to take part in the initiative, which is being provided without any fee. By removing financial and logistical barriers, the program is intended to be inclusive and accessible to all sections of society.
This effort is in line with the Union government’s Fit India Movement and other health-oriented campaigns that aim to integrate fitness into daily life, especially among the youth. The program also aligns with the goals of National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes physical education and co-curricular engagement as core components of holistic learning.
With consistent participation and training, the Administration hopes to identify students with potential to compete in yoga championships at the district, state, and national levels, thus also creating new avenues for skill development and sporting excellence.
The yoga coaching sessions are expected to continue indefinitely, and further updates or changes to the schedule will be communicated through the Sports Directorate’s channels and at the stadium premises.
