Which country has recently declared 'Yoga' as a sports activity?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (1):
Saudi Arab is the correct answer. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its national sports regulatory body—the General Sports Authority (now Ministry of Sport)—officially recognized and declared Yoga as a sports activity in late 2017. This was an unprecedented and highly significant policy change, moving Yoga from a loosely recognized practice to a formally regulated sport under the national sports policy. This decision was part of the nation's ambitious Vision 2030 reform plan, which includes a major initiative to enhance the quality of life by promoting public health, physical fitness, and diversification of sports. By formally classifying Yoga as a sports activity, the government enabled the formal licensing of Yoga instructors and training centers, thereby ensuring its legal and institutionalized growth across the country.

The incorrect option is (2):
Nepal, owing to its cultural proximity and deep historical ties with India, has a tradition where Yoga is an ancient and integral part of its spiritual and wellness heritage. While the practice is widespread and deeply respected, the government's official stance typically views Yoga as a traditional, philosophical, or holistic discipline, rather than specifically issuing a recent, formal declaration to reclassify it as a "sports activity." Nepal's cultural embrace of Yoga is historical and continuous, not the result of a specific recent administrative declaration aimed at regulating it within a competitive sports framework.

The incorrect option is (3):
The USA is home to a massive and highly commercialized wellness and fitness sector, where Yoga is one of the most popular practices. Millions of Americans practice Yoga, and it is widely available through private studios and gyms. However, the American government, at the federal level, has not undertaken a specific, high-profile action to formally declare or codify Yoga as an official 'sports activity' under a national sports authority. In the U.S. context, it is generally treated as a health, fitness, or recreational activity.

The incorrect option is (4):
Israel possesses a vibrant community of practitioners and has many Yoga and wellness centers. Yoga is a well-established activity, popular for both physical fitness and mental relaxation among the populace. Nonetheless, there has been no notable, recent, and official governmental declaration from the Israeli sports or health ministry that specifically reclassified Yoga into a formally regulated 'sports activity.' Its status remains within the general domain of wellness, exercise, and alternative practices.