International Yoga Day: Mangaluru hosts unique 'Jala yoga' event in swimming pool
Mangaluru, June 21 (PTI): As the 11th International Yoga Day is being celebrated with much fanfare everywhere on Saturday, the coastal city of Mangaluru celebrated the occasion with a distinctive aquatic twist—through Jala yoga, or water yoga.
Held at the Mangaluru City Corporation Swimming Pool, the event saw around 40 members of an amateur swimmers’ group perform yoga postures such as Padmasana and Shavasana while floating in 16-feet-deep water.
The organisers of the event highlighted how water yoga—a blend of traditional yoga postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practiced in water—can enhance both physical fitness and mental relaxation.
Adding a creative note to the celebrations, retired Dean of the Mangalore University of Fisheries, S M Shivaprakash, wrote a postcard to Prime Minister Narendra Modi while swimming.
“Dear Modiji, Happy International Yoga Day. I am writing this postcard while swimming in the pool. Fit India – Shivaprakash, Mangaluru,” read the handwritten note that drew attention at the event.
Speaking to reporters, Shivaprakash said, “Prime Minister Modi has taken yoga to the global stage. Yoga is about harmony between the body, mind, and soul. I swim daily, and today I wanted to honour Yoga Day in my own way.”
The event was organised by the amateur swimmers’ group in collaboration with the city’s public swimming pool, under the theme of this year’s Yoga Day: One Earth, One Health.
One of the participants, Chandrahass Shetty, said it was the first time such an aquatic yoga demonstration had been attempted in the city.
Participants reported feeling lighter and more flexible while performing asanas in water, attributing it to reduced pressure on the muscles. They also noted that the buoyancy made it easier to maintain poses for longer durations.
The event, blending physical discipline with creativity and environmental awareness, offered a fresh perspective on yoga and its adaptability. Organisers said the event is aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and demonstrating India’s evolving innovations in wellness practices.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
