Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
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Lattakia, SANA – The Indian Embassy in Damascus organized on Tuesday an event celebrating the International Day of Yoga at Bassel al-Assad Stadium in Lattakia, in which some 350 players from different Yoga training centers in Syria took part.
The Indian Ambassador to Syria Man Mohan Bhanot said the first celebration of the Yoga Day was held in Damascus “where we were surprised by a splendid response from the Syrians, a thing that indicates their determination and will to live in spite of the difficult conditions they are passing through.”
Bhanot added that choosing Lattakia for holding the event came upon the locals’ request, hailing the great efforts exerted by the Higher Committee of Yoga and Energy in Syria that helped in spreading this kind of sport and raining hundreds of people.
The Indian Ambassador indicated that the UN General Assembly member states approved last year a draft solution upon the Indian Prime Minister’s request to set the 21th of June as the International Day of Yoga.
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
The International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
Lattakia governor Ibrahim Khodr al-Salem, who participated in the event, highlighted the Indian government’s supportive stance towards Syria in its fight against terrorism.
Maj. Gen. Mowaffaq Jomaa, head of the Syrian General Sports Federation, viewed the celebration as a reflection of the deep rations between both the Syrian and Indian people.
Later on the day, Ambassador Bhanot paid a visit to the tomb of the late President Hafez al-Assad in Qardaha city and laid a wreath on it.
The Indian ambassador wished, in the visitors’ condolence note, prosperity for Syria and further development of the relations between the two countries.
Barry/H. Said
