How does the traditional yogasana event work?
B · Beginner · The traditional event · 3 of 4The traditional event has three rounds of seven asanas each. In the quarter-final and the semi-final that is five compulsory asanas and two optional ones. In the final it is four compulsory and three optional. Compulsory asanas are held for 60 seconds in the quarter-final, 45 in the semi-final and 30 in the final, and optional ones for 15.
How it works
- Three rounds: quarter-final, semi-final and final.
- Quarter-final: five compulsory asanas and two optional.
- Semi-final: five compulsory and two optional.
- Final: four compulsory and three optional.
- Compulsory holds: 60 seconds in the quarter-final, 45 in the semi-final and 30 in the final.
- Optional holds: 15 seconds in every round.
- Compulsory asanas: set for each round and age group on charts in the Code of Points.
- Optional asanas: chosen by the athlete from the optional charts.
- Before the round: the order of performance sheet is handed in.
- Start and end: with the namaste gesture.
The glossary has the traditional yogasana, the compulsory and optional asanas, the holding time, the namaste greeting, the asana and the order of performance sheet.
Tricky cases
Is the hold longest in the final?
No. It is shortest. Compulsory asanas are held for 60 seconds in the quarter-final and for 30 in the final.
Does every age group hold for the same time?
Yes, in the table saved here: the same 60, 45, 30 and 15 seconds are given for each age group listed.
Which asanas are compulsory?
They are set by round and age group. The chart for the quarter-final shown to every age group lists Uttanasana II, Vakrasana, Ushtrasana, Uttanpadasana and Vrukshasana. Only some of the other charts are in the saved pages.
How many rounds does a small competition have?
Not stated in the saved pages. The number of rounds is set in an earlier chapter of the Code of Points, which is not saved.
Why the rule exists
Compulsory asanas put every athlete on the same postures, so the judges compare like with like. The optional ones let an athlete show a strength. The holds get shorter as the rounds go on while the optional choices get harder, so the event moves from endurance towards difficulty.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter-final | 5 compulsory and 2 optional; 60-second holds | Code of Points, traditional 1 and 2 |
| Semi-final | 5 compulsory and 2 optional; 45-second holds | Code of Points, traditional 1 and 2 |
| Final | 4 compulsory and 3 optional; 30-second holds | Code of Points, traditional 1 and 2 |
| Optional asanas | 15 seconds in every round | Code of Points, traditional 2 |
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), traditional points 1 to 7 and the compulsory asana chart pages. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the national federation's Code of Points (only Chapter 5 is saved).