The armed forces have introduced a new yoga training pathway for Agniveers, formalising a skill many already practise daily into a recognised, government-backed credential.
The rollout has begun with an eight-week ‘Yogasana’ training programme run by the Navy at Command and Area Headquarters. Those who complete it receive a certificate in basic yoga training and ‘Yogasana’ proficiency from an authorised instructor or recognised training body, alongside regular sessions folded into morning PT and evening games, plus intra-Command ‘Yogasana’ competitions. The programme itself doesn’t turn participants into certified instructors – that’s a distinct, later step. Those who show promise are identified and encouraged to pursue recognised yoga instructor courses outside the forces, with a shot at national-level competition along the way, building fitness, mental well-being, and a real post-service career path.
India’s shortfall is nearly 3 lakh yoga instructors against a requirement of over 5 lakh practitioners, meaning outgoing Agniveers who go on to complete instructor courses are entering a field where openings still far outnumber qualified professionals, according to a 2017 ASSOCHAM study.
