What is the rhythmic pair event in yogasana?
I · Intermediate · The artistic and rhythmic events · 5 of 5Two athletes perform the same ten asanas at the same time, on the same side and facing the same way, without touching. Each touch costs 1 mark, and each lapse in synchronisation costs 0.25. An asana not done identically scores zero. The routine takes one asana from each of the ten sub-categories and lasts 150 to 180 seconds.
How it works
- Name: Talatmak Yugal Yogasana.
- The same asana: both athletes, at the same time.
- Same side: the same leg, the same hand and the same direction. If not, the D judges give zero for that asana.
- No touching: 1 mark each time the athletes touch.
- Synchronisation: 0.25 marks each time the two are not identical or together.
- No talking: 0.5 marks each time they communicate.
- Ten asanas: one from each sub-category, with the same penalties as the single event for missing ones.
- Length and holds: 150 to 180 seconds, with each asana held for at least five seconds by both.
- Floor: 10 metres by 10 metres.
- Marking an asana: the two athletes' execution marks are averaged and multiplied by the base value.
The glossary has the rhythmic yogasana pair, the synchronization, the ten asanas, one from each sub-category, the rhythm and artistic steps, the invalid asana and the A judges.
Tricky cases
One athlete balances on the left leg and the other on the right. Is that the same asana?
No, not for this event. Both must use the same side, leg, hand and direction, or the asana scores zero from the D judges.
The two athletes brush hands during a transition. Is there a penalty?
Yes. Body touch during the routine costs 1 mark each time.
When does the five-second hold start for a pair?
When both athletes are still in the position. The time is counted for the pair as a unit.
Can one athlete count the beats aloud for the other?
No. Communication between the athletes costs 0.5 marks each time.
Why the rule exists
Holding an asana well is one skill. Matching a partner's timing, height and line without looking or speaking is another, and this event is built to show it. The ban on touching and talking means the unison has to come from rehearsal.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rhythmic pair | Same asana, same side; no touching | Code of Points, rhythmic pair 1; 8.6 |
| Artistic pair | Different asanas; touching allowed | Code of Points, artistic pair 1.6; 8.5 |
| Touch | 1 mark | Code of Points, rhythmic pair 6.7 |
| Lapse in synchronisation | 0.25 marks | Code of Points, rhythmic pair 6.5 |
| Communication | 0.5 marks, in both pair events | Code of Points, rhythmic pair 6.6; artistic pair 6.10 |
From the rule book
Code of Points for yogasana sports, Chapter 5, Guidelines for Yogasana Events (School Games Federation of India copy, edition not stated), rhythmic pair sections 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the national federation's Code of Points (only Chapter 5 is saved).