Embassy of India
Phnom Penh

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PRESS RELEASE

    Embassy of India, Phnom Penh organised the 9th edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2023 in Cambodia at two different iconic locations at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in coordination with Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture & Fine Arts, Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports, National APSARA Authority, Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, Union Youth Federations of Cambodia, Royal Government of Cambodia. At both venues, total around 1100 yoga enthusiasts participated in the celebration which includes high level dignitaries from local government, representatives from diplomatic communities, Indian diaspora members, regular yoga practitioners from different yoga studios, students from various colleges and schools and volunteers from UYFC.

     The celebration commenced on 18 June 2023 at National Olympic Stadium with more than 600 yoga enthusiasts participation. The Guest of Honor H.E. Sok Sabayna, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports gave the opening remarks and the Chief Guest H.E. Chea Kosal, Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism addressed the gathering and discussed importance of yoga in day to day life. During vote of thanks by Ambassador of India, Dr. (Ms.) Devyani Khobragade emphasized the Government of India’s view on yoga and it’s benefits for the holistic well-being and India's commitment to
assist in teaching and propagating Yoga in Cambodia wherever needed.

IDY 2023 was celebrated on 21 June at Elephant Terrace of Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap with more than 500 yoga participants from various Institutions, Schools and organisations. H.E. Pin Barakad, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap province addressed the gathering as the Guest of Honor whereas H.E. Kuch Pannhasa, Secretary of State graced the occasion as Chief Guest and highlighted the relevance of yoga in the daily life and India-Cambodia close cultural ties. Dr. (Ms.) Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of
India in her address thanked all Ministries and departments of the Royal Government of Cambodia, National APSARA Authroity and Provincial Government of Siem Reap for their cooperation as well as sponsors for supporting the celebrations. She referred to the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014, when Prime Minister Modi had urged the world community to adopt an international Day of Yoga.Subsequently, within 75 days of the proposal, the United Nations General Assembly, on December 11, 2014, had adopted a unanimous resolution declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. She also said that yoga promotes the message of Peace in the world, which is in line with India's principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which means "the world is one family”, which is the theme of International day of yoga 2023.

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