CISCE Students Shine at National Yoga Olympiad 2025 with 20 Medals, Set to Join PM Modi for Yoga Day

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has added another feather to its cap with its students delivering a stellar performance at the National Yoga Olympiad 2025. Held from June 15 to 18, 2025, at the iconic Sabhagriham Vivekananda Kendra in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, the event saw CISCE students clinching an impressive total of 20 medals, comprising 10 Gold, 6 Silver, and 4 Bronze medals in both team and individual categories.

This remarkable achievement underscores CISCE’s commitment to promoting holistic education, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes wellness, mindfulness, and physical fitness as integral aspects of schooling.

A Moment of National Recognition: Yoga with the Prime Minister

As a special recognition of their excellence, Gold Medal-winning students from CISCE-affiliated schools have been invited to participate in a yoga session with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on International Yoga Day, observed annually on June 21. This opportunity places these young achievers on a national stage and symbolizes the growing emphasis on yoga as a transformative force in education and youth wellness.

About the National Yoga Olympiad

Launched in 2016 by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the guidance of the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, the National Yoga Olympiad is a prestigious platform that promotes the ancient Indian discipline of yoga in school education.

The Olympiad goes beyond physical exercise to encompass mental, emotional, and spiritual development, encouraging young learners to integrate yoga into their daily lives and embrace it as a lifelong wellness tool.

This year’s event was attended by NCERT Director Professor Dinesh Prasad Saklani, who graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest, further highlighting the importance of the Olympiad at a national level.

Team Excellence: Dominating Both Age Groups

The competition was divided into two stages:

1. Secondary Stage (14–17 years):

• Girls’ Team (Gold Medal):
   
  • Naisha Sarkar – Sacred Heart Convent School, Jamshedpur
  • Manya Sharma – St. Stephen’s School, Chandigarh
  • Namya Sharma – St. Stephen’s School, Chandigarh
  • Anisha Kadam – Wisdom World School, Pune
     
• Boys’ Team (Gold Medal):
   
  • Aadi Karmakar – St. Augustine’s School, Kolkata
  • Sounava Hazra – Calcutta Public School, Kolkata
  • Nihal – St. Stephen’s School, Chandigarh
  • Priyanshu Mandal – Holy Cross School, Kolkata
     

2. Middle Stage (10–14 years):

• Girls’ Team (Silver Medal):
   
  • Aditri De – The Heritage School, Kolkata
  • Anaanya Sengupta – The Heritage School, Kolkata
  • Savera – St. Stephen’s School, Chandigarh
  • Devanshi Shinde – Tree House High School, Pune
     

These team victories reflect the depth of training, discipline, and enthusiasm that CISCE schools have cultivated among their students.

Individual Achievements: CISCE Students Display Artistic and Academic Prowess

Apart from dominating team events, CISCE students excelled in individual competitions, showcasing their versatility in yoga, literature, and the creative arts.

Gold Medals:

• Aadi Karmakar – Yoga Performance (Boys 14–17 years)
• Sounava Hazra – Essay Writing (Boys 14–17 years)
   

Silver Medals:

• Naisha Sarkar – Yoga Performance (Girls 14–17 years)
• Namya Sharma – Poetry Writing (Girls 14–17 years)
   

Bronze Medals:

• Sounava Hazra – Yoga Performance
• Namya Sharma – Yoga Performance
• Priyanshu Mandal – Poetry Writing
• Devanshi Naresh Shinde – Poster Making
   

These accomplishments represent a perfect blend of physical ability, mental clarity, creativity, and cultural expression—core components of a well-rounded educational journey.

Yoga in Schools: A Pillar of NEP 2020

The achievements at the Olympiad reflect the values embedded in the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to cultivate emotionally resilient, physically fit, and socially responsible students. Yoga plays a key role in this vision by promoting:

• Physical fitness and health
• Mental balance and stress reduction
• Emotional awareness and discipline
• Spiritual and cultural grounding
   

Through initiatives like the National Yoga Olympiad, schools are increasingly integrating wellness practices into everyday learning environments, ensuring that academic success is accompanied by personal well-being.

The Road Ahead: CISCE as a Model for Holistic Education

The resounding success of CISCE students at this national platform is more than just a tally of medals—it is a testament to the council’s dedication to nurturing future-ready individuals. Their participation in the International Yoga Day celebrations with the Prime Minister is a source of pride not just for the students and their schools, but for the entire CISCE community.

CISCE’s consistent emphasis on balancing academics with physical education, mindfulness, and creative pursuits places it at the forefront of educational innovation in India.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Discipline, Determination, and Wellness

As yoga continues to gain national and global relevance, platforms like the National Yoga Olympiad become increasingly vital in shaping a generation that values balance, health, and inner strength. With 20 medals and an invitation to join Prime Minister Modi for a historic yoga session, CISCE students have proven that the path to excellence lies in the harmony of body, mind, and spirit.