STATE GAMES OF AMERICA – YOGA ASANA SPORT 

Click here for registration/info )  www.usayoga.org

Yoga Asana Sport returns to the State Games of America with an elevated presence at Penn State University in 2026. USA Yoga athletes have participated in previous State Games events, and this year the discipline steps into the spotlight—sharing the national stage alongside America’s most celebrated sports.

“Asana” means posture in Sanskrit. Yoga Asana Sport is a technical and artistic discipline in which athletes perform a choreographed routine of six yoga postures, demonstrating balance, strength, flexibility, stillness, breath control, and mindful precision. Athletes from all yoga lineages and training backgrounds are welcome, as long as they meet USA Yoga membership and eligibility requirements.

 Who Can Compete?

Yoga Asana Sport is open to all qualified athletes across the USA. Competitors may enter any USA Yoga Qualifier to earn a ranking score and may participate in multiple qualifiers to improve their score and seeding for the State Games of America National Championship lineup.

Divisions

• Youth: 9–11, 12–14, 15–17

• Adult: 18–34, 35–49, 50–64, 65+

• Male & Female categories in each division

No prior competitive yoga experience is required—just dedication, discipline, and a willingness to explore the athletic potential of yoga postures.

 What Is a Yoga Asana Routine?

Each athlete performs a 3-minute solo routine of six postures, selecting one from each required category:

1. Forward Bending

2. Backward Bending

3. Traction

4. Lift

5. Twist

6. Inversion

Within their routine, athletes must clearly demonstrate at least two of the three key athletic skills:

• Balance

• Strength

• Flexibility

Postures must be held with stillness for a minimum of 5 seconds while maintaining normal breathing. Stillness and breath control are classical markers of Hatha Yoga and form the foundation of the discipline.

 How Judging Works

Yoga Asana Sport is evaluated using USA Yoga’s national technical standards. Judges assess:

• Correct setup and expression of each posture

• Stillness (minimum 5-second hold)

• Normal, steady breathing

• Safe entry and exit

• Degree of difficulty

• Demonstration of strength, balance, or flexibility

• Timing precision (including deductions for overtime or under-holds)

• Overall presentation

The full posture list and difficulty/scoring values can be found at:
 https://usayoga.org/posture-guidelines-2021-2022-in-effect-for-2024/

 Global Context – IYSF & World Yoga Asana Championships

Yoga Asana Sport is aligned with the International Yoga Sports Federation (IYSF), the governing body of the World Yoga Asana Championships, held every two years.

• Next projected World Championships: December 2026

• Location: Italy (city/site TBD)

• More information: IYSF.org

With India advocating for recognition of Yoga Asana at the Olympic level, USA Yoga and IYSF are working together to build a clear, ethical, and inspiring pathway from local studios and national federations to the world stage. The State Games of America are an important part of that journey.

 Why Every Athlete Needs Yoga

Athletes in nearly every sport already practice yoga-inspired stretches—Butterfly, Forward Bend, Backbends, Twists, and more. Yoga Asana Sport elevates these movements into a complete discipline that supports:

• Mobility and range of motion

• Injury prevention

• Balanced strength and stability

• Spine and joint health

• Recovery from repetitive-motion stress

• Mental focus and emotional regulation

From youth to masters, athletes often discover that the true reward of training for Yoga Asana Sport is not just the score—it’s the transformation in body awareness, resilience, and overall well-being.

 Pathway to SGA – Qualifier Info

Athletes earn a qualifying score at a USA Yoga Qualifier. Their highest score determines:

• Eligibility for the State Games of America

• Seeding and performance order at the National Championship

2025–26 Qualifier Schedule

• Jan 10–11, 2026 — Virtual Live (Zoom)

• Mar 7, 2026 — San Jose, CA (In Person)

• Apr 4, 2026 — Frisco, TX (In Person)

• Apr 18, 2026 — Indianapolis, IN (Live & Virtual Hybrid)

• May 2, 2026 — Portsmouth, NH (In Person)

More information:
 https://usayoga.org/events/

 Eligibility

• USA Yoga membership required

• Foreign athletes may compete according to USA Yoga international guidelines

• Foreign athletes may submit scores to their own national federation for international qualification consideration and may not place in U.S. medal rankings

• Code of Ethics and Liability Waiver required

 Join Us in State College, PA

Step onto the national stage in a sport that honors discipline, artistry, inner strength, and mindful athleticism.

Compete. Breathe. Transform.
Unity. Sport. Asana.

United Through Sport.