Qualifying Criteria’s for AYSF Awards:

1- Asian Excellence Yoga Award:

The qualifying criteria for the Asian Excellence of Yoga Award that is given by Asian Yogasana Sports Federation to a national federation by the Asian are based on mainly the governance system and strategy of the federation. However, the criteria is as follows:

1. Performance & Achievements on National, continental and International Level: Success in organizing local competitions , or achievements in continental or global competitions in promotion of yoga sports or participating in global yoga events, receive honors and other awards for achieving development of yoga on global stages, and the efforts to preserve traditional yoga practices while also adapting them to meet contemporary needs in a culturally sensitive manner.

2. Development of Programs: Implementation of effective grassroots and youth development programs, including coaching and athlete development.

3. Governance & Management: Demonstrating good governance of yoga sports of at least for 2 types of yoga based on the international classification (traditional yoga, yoagasana sports, yoga therapy, spiritual yoga) for practices, certification, training in rules and regulations, and accreditation of yoga teachers, schools, yogsasana coaches and judges, and create systems to develop yoga educational institutes, yoagasana teams, clubs, yoagasana championships and athletes support system, with adherence to the rules and the ethics of yoga .

4. Innovation & Leadership: Initiating innovative programs to promote yoga to the society and showing leadership in development of yoga sports at the national and regional levels, supporting other nations within the region through yoga awareness programs and collaborations.

5. Inclusivity & Growth: Efforts to expand participation in yoga sports, including initiatives to involve women, youth, special needs and underrepresented groups.

6. Collaboration: Strong collaboration with the Asian Federation and other national federations to exchange, grow and promote yoga sports.

The national federation has to achieve at least 4 out of 6 criteria to win this Yoga prestigious excellence award of Asia.

2- Yoga Ambassador of Asia Award:

The Yoga Ambassador of Asia Award by the Asian Yogasana Sports Federation for individuals, whether in traditional yoga or competitive yoagasana or yoga therapy, would likely recognize excellence, leadership, and contributions to promoting yoga across Asia. The qualifying criteria for this award is as follows:

1. Excellence & Dedication for 15 Years at Least:

• Minimum 15 Years Service Time in Yoga: The nominee should be at least 15 years’ work in the yoga field documented by certification and media presence, and should hold at least specialty in two types of Yoga one of them should be Yogasana Sports.

• Traditional Yoga: Mastery of traditional yoga techniques and practices including yoga philosophy (Guru or Master or Yoga Acharya level). The individual should have demonstrated a deep understanding of the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of yoga.

• Sports Competitive Yoga: Outstanding achievements or work in yoagasana field, both regionally and globally, showcasing commitment and excellence in yoga as a sport.

2. Contributions to Yoga Education, Governance and Regulations:

• Involvement in teaching or coaching yoga for at least 15 years, whether through classes, workshops, or teacher training programs, for either traditional yoga, yoagasana sports or yoga therapy.

• Development of educational resources that spread knowledge about both traditional and competitive yoga, such as writing books or curriculums in Yoga at least for the last 5 years.

• Working in the field of yoga governance and regulations to help the growth of yoga such as drafting of yoga regulations, systems, strategies or curriculums with national, regional or international yoga bodies and institutes.

3. Promotion of Yoga for Health and Wellness:

• Initiatives to promote yoga as a tool for enhancing physical and mental health, especially across diverse communities and age groups.

• Contributing to programs that make yoga accessible to various populations, including underprivileged or rural communities.

4. Leadership in Yoga Advocacy:

• Advocacy for yoga at local, national, and international levels, emphasizing its role in public health, education, and community well-being.

• Representing yoga at international platforms, speaking at conferences, or engaging with governmental and non-governmental organizations to promote yoga.

5. Impact in Yoga on National and International Level:

• Real Impact: The nominee’s contributions should have tangible effects on the development or promotion of yoga nationally, continentally, or globally, leading to measurable growth or transformation within the field.

• Media Presence: The nominee should have a significant presence in national or continental (Asian) media, actively promoting yoga through interviews, articles, conferences, or features that contribute to public awareness and engagement with yoga.

6. International Representation and Collaboration:

• Acting as a bridge for collaboration between Asian countries in the field of yoga, fostering cross-cultural exchange and cooperation.

• Participation in or organization of international yoga events, competitions, or festivals that promote the values of peace and unity through yoga.

8. Achievements in Competitive Yoga:

• For competitive yoga, individuals should have notable achievements in national or international yoagasana, or achievement with regional or international federations of yoga sports, or if as a player in competitions, demonstrating skill, discipline, and a high level of physical fitness.

• Contribution to the development and recognition of competitive yoga as a legitimate sport, either nationally or in Asia or globally.

These criteria are designed to honor individuals who not only excel in their personal practice of yoga but also use it as a platform to contribute to the larger continental and global society, whether through traditional spiritual yoga practices or competitive yoga sport.

3- Yoga for Peace and Development Asian Award:

The qualifying criteria for Yoga for Peace and Development Award for an individual, organization, or national federation given by the Asian Yogasana Sports Federation would typically focus on the promotion and contribution to yoga as a tool for peace, health, and societal development. The criteria is as follows:

1. Promotion of Yoga for Peace: Demonstrating the use of yoga as a tool for promoting peace, harmony, and conflict resolution at local, national, or international levels.

2. Health and Well-Being Initiatives: Launching programs or projects that use yoga to promote physical and mental health, wellness, and mindfulness, contributing to individual and societal well-being.

3. Community Outreach and Inclusivity: Conducting programs that make yoga accessible to various communities, especially marginalized or underprivileged groups, emphasizing inclusivity.

4. Educational Initiatives: Offering yoga education, teacher training programs, or workshops that raise awareness about the benefits of yoga for both mental and physical health or support schools and centers within society to do so.

5. Environmental and Social Impact: Linking yoga to broader causes, such as Climate change, environmental conservation, social justice, or human rights, thereby using yoga as a tool for societal development.

6. Collaboration and Global Outreach: Working in collaboration with other yoga organizations, federations, or international bodies to spread the practice of yoga beyond national borders.

The individual or organization or national federation has to achieve at least 4 out of 6 criteria to win this extraordinary award.

4- Asian Social & Cultural Development Award:

The Asian Social & Social Development Award given by the Asian Yoga Sports Federation to an individual, organization, or national federations is to honor exceptional contributions to using yoga as a tool for social impact and development across Asia. The criteria focuses on promoting positive change through yoga practices, advocacy, and programs. The qualifying criteria is as follows:

1. Promotion of Yoga for Social Change:

• Demonstrating how yoga has been used as a means to address social issues such as poverty, mental health, community wellness, or inequality.

• Implementing yoga programs that promote peace, harmony, and social cohesion within communities or across different regions in Asia.

2. Yoga for Education and Empowerment:

• Designing and conducting yoga educational initiatives aimed at empowering individuals or communities, particularly those who are disadvantaged or marginalized.

• Providing yoga-based training programs that improve life skills, self-confidence, and personal development for individuals or groups or impower the private sector to do so through governance, licenses and regulations.

3. Public Health and Well-being Initiatives:

• Promoting yoga for the improvement of public health, both mental and physical, especially in underserved areas where access to healthcare is limited.

• Running yoga programs that address specific health challenges such as stress, anxiety, chronic diseases, or lifestyle-related health issues.

4. Community Outreach and Inclusivity:

• Successfully engaging diverse communities through inclusive yoga programs, ensuring access to yoga for different age groups, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

• Developing initiatives that ensure women, children, and vulnerable groups benefit from the healing and empowering aspects of yoga.

5. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Aligning yoga programs with broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, or reduced inequalities.

• Using yoga to support environmental sustainability, such as by promoting eco-conscious practices, conservation, and holistic well-being for both people and the planet, climate change etc.

6. Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Collaborating with other organizations, national federations, or governmental bodies to implement large-scale or multi-nation yoga programs focused on social development.

• Demonstrating the ability to engage in cross-sector partnerships, working with health professionals, educators, or national bodies or organizations across Asia to spread yoga’s benefits.

7. Empowering National and Regional Yoga Development:

• If awarded to a national federation, it should have contributed to spreading yoga across the country, building networks of yoga instructors, and developing community-based yoga projects that directly contribute to societal well-being.

• Facilitating the growth of yoga as a recognized tool for social development within the country or region, fostering new leaders in the yoga space.

• Support initiatives in collaboration with continental bodies to promote and advance yoga growth in Asia.

9. Long-Term Impact and Sustainability:

• Proven, measurable impact of yoga programs on the social well-being and development of communities, with an emphasis on sustainable, long-term benefits.

• Establishing models for scaling and sustaining the impact of yoga-based social development initiatives across different regions.

This award recognizes individuals or organizations that not only excel in practicing and teaching yoga but also utilize it as a transformative tool to address the most pressing social and development challenges in Asia.

5- Women Empowerment Award:

The Woman Empowerment of Asia Award given by the Asian Yoga Sports Federation to an individual, organization, or national federation to honor exceptional contributions to the empowerment of women through yoga, in both traditional and competitive yoga. The criteria for this award is as follows:

1. Promotion of Women’s Empowerment through Yoga:

• Traditional Yoga: Efforts to empower women by providing opportunities for them to practice, teach, or lead in traditional yoga.

• Competitive Yoga: Creating opportunities for women to participate in competitive yoga, including coaching, mentoring, and supporting female athletes to excel at regional, national, and international levels.

2. Leadership in Women-Centered Yoga Programs:

• Developing and leading yoga programs specifically designed to address the needs of women, focusing on health, empowerment, and personal development.

• Establishing initiatives that train women as yoga instructors, thereby providing them with skills for employment, leadership, and economic independence.

3. Inclusive and Accessible Programs:

• Creating inclusive yoga programs that cater to women from all walks of life, including those from underprivileged, rural, or marginalized communities, ensuring access to yoga for personal growth and empowerment.

• Promoting the participation of women with disabilities in yoga, ensuring that programs are accessible to all women regardless of physical limitations.

4. Contribution to Social Change and Gender Equality:

• Using yoga as a tool for social change by advocating for gender equality, and providing women with platforms to succeed in both yoga practice and leadership.

• Empowering women to take up leadership roles within the yoga community, organizations, or national, continental or international federations, contributing to the larger social movement for women’s rights.

5. Educational and Training Initiatives:

• Offering training programs and certifications that empower women to become yoga teachers, coaches, referees or mentors, thus promoting their employment and career development in the field of yoga.

• Conducting workshops or classes focused on issues specific to women’s empowerment, such as self-care, mental health, body positivity, and personal growth through yoga.

6. Achievements in Competitive Yoga:

• Encouraging and supporting women to achieve excellence in competitive yoga, helping them gain recognition and career opportunities in the sports arena.

• Advocating for equal opportunities and representation of women in competitive yoga at regional, national, and international levels.

7. Promotion of Women’s Employment through Yoga:

• Traditional Yoga: Establishing programs that train women as yoga instructors, therapists, or practitioners, providing them with job opportunities and financial independence.

• Competitive Yogasana: Developing women’s participation in competitive yogasana through coaching, mentoring, judging and promoting female athletes in national or continental or international yoagasana competitions, leading to employment opportunities in the sports sector.

This award would honor those who have not only empowered women through yoga but have also contributed to long-term social change by providing opportunities, support, and leadership to women in the field of both traditional and competitive yoga in their respective nations or across Asia.

6- Yoga Teachers for Peace Award:

The Yoga Teachers for Peace of Asia Award by the Asian Yoga Sports Federation is to recognize outstanding yoga teachers who have significantly contributed to promoting peace through their teachings, whether in traditional yoga or competitive yoga. The award would honor teachers who use yoga as a tool for fostering harmony, mindfulness, and social well-being in their nations or across Asia. The qualifying criteria for this award will be as follows:

1. Promotion of Peace through Yoga:

• Traditional Yoga: Demonstrating how yoga teachings (asana, pranayama, meditation, and philosophy) have been used to promote Ahimsa (non violence) inner peace, mindfulness, and mental well-being in communities, contributing to social harmony and conflict resolution.

• Competitive Yoga: Encouraging peace, sportsmanship, and positive mental attitudes in competitive yoga, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation among competitors and practitioners.

2. Impact on Community Well-being:

• Implementing programs that use yoga as a method to alleviate stress, anxiety, and tension in conflict-prone and promote Ahimsa (non violence) .

• Creating peace-building initiatives where yoga is taught in schools, prisons, or rehabilitation centers, contributing to personal transformation and social healing.

3. Peace Promoting Initiatives and Teaching:

• Being an exemplary teacher in traditional or competitive yoga, demonstrating a deep understanding of yoga’s role in promoting peace, both at the personal and societal levels.

• Conducting workshops, retreats, or educational programs that integrate peace-building principles, such as non-violence (Ahimsa), compassion, and mindfulness, into the yoga curriculum.

4. Leadership in Peace :

• Advocating for the role of yoga in peace-building and social change, either through participation in conferences, forums, or partnerships with organizations working towards peace and reconciliation.

• Taking an active leadership role in promoting yoga as a tool for peaceful resolution of conflicts, cultural understanding, and social harmony across Asia.

5. Inclusivity and Diversity in Teaching:

• Ensuring that yoga programs are inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of gender, age, economic background, or ethnicity, with a special focus on promoting peace through diversity.

• Engaging with communities from different cultural or religious backgrounds and using yoga to bridge gaps, fostering mutual understanding and acceptance.

6. Promotion of Peace through Competitive Yoga:

• Teaching competitive yoga with an emphasis on peaceful competition, mutual respect, and ethical sportsmanship, instilling values of camaraderie and unity among athletes.

• Organizing or participating in yoga competitions that promote the spirit of peaceful coexistence, both among participants and within their communities.

7. Collaboration with Peace Organizations:

• Collaborating with peace-focused NGOs, government bodies, or educational institutions to create yoga programs aimed at peace-building and conflict resolution.

• Partnering with organizations that work on social issues like mental health, trauma recovery, or community peace-building, integrating yoga as part of the healing process.

10. Long-term Commitment to Peace through Yoga:

• Minimum a decade of long-term commitment to using yoga as a tool for promoting peace, with measurable impacts in the form of transformed individuals or communities.

This award celebrates yoga teachers who go beyond regular instruction, using yoga as a force for peace, understanding, and unity across Asia, contributing to personal and societal well-being.

7- Best Yogi Athlete Asian Award:

The Best Yogi Athlete Asian Award in competitive yogasana, awarded by the Asian Yoga Sports Federation, would recognize an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and achievement in competitive yogasana. This award would honor athletes who excel in performance, embody the spirit of competitive yoga, ethics of sports, demonstrate peaceful attitude even in Social Media, and contribute to the growth of yogasana as a sport in Asia. The qualifying criteria for this award is as follows:

1. Excellence in Competitive Yogasana Performance:

• Demonstrating exceptional skill, flexibility, strength, and precision in competitive yogasana events, consistently achieving top scores and rankings in national or international competitions.

• Performing advanced asanas with a high degree of technical proficiency, control, and grace, as assessed by competition judges.

2. Achievements in National and International Competitions:

• Winning or placing in high-ranking positions in prestigious national or international yogasana competitions, particularly those recognized by the Asian Yoga Sports Federation or other official bodies.

• Demonstrating consistent success in multiple competitions over time, showcasing sustained excellence in competitive yogasana.

3. Physical and Mental Discipline:

• Exhibiting superior physical conditioning, endurance, and flexibility, alongside the mental focus and determination required to excel in the competitive sport of yogasana.

• Maintaining a high standard of training and preparation, both physically and mentally, as evidenced by performance in competitions.

4. Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct:

• Displaying outstanding sportsmanship, respect for fellow competitors, and adherence to the ethical principles of yoga and competitive sports.

• Being a role model for other athletes, encouraging fair competition, camaraderie, and positive representation of yogasana as a sport.

5. Innovation and Creativity in Yogasana:

• Demonstrating creativity in the performance of yogasana by incorporating innovative transitions or sequences, while adhering to the rules and standards of competition.

• Setting new standards or trends in competitive yogasana that contribute to the evolution of the sport.

6. implementation of Ahimsa and other Yoga Ethics Yama and Niyama

1. Adherence to Ethical Principles (Yama): A yoga athlete demonstrates commitment to yama by practicing non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), moderation (brahmacharya), and non-attachment (aparigraha) in both personal conduct and competitive behavior, reflecting ethical integrity in all actions.

2. Personal Discipline (Niyama): The athlete upholds the niyamas by maintaining purity (saucha), contentment (santosha), self-discipline (tapas), self-study (svadhyaya), and Spirituality to a higher consciousness (ishvara pranidhana), showcasing inner growth, discipline, and mindfulness in their yoga practice and lifestyle.

8- Best Yogasana Judge Award:

The Best Yogasana Judge Asian Award awarded by the Asian Yogasana Sports Federation, is to recognize a judge who has demonstrated exceptional integrity, expertise, and ethical conduct in the field of yoagasana judging. This award is to honor individuals who ensure fair, accurate, and consistent judging while upholding the standards of the sport. The qualifying criteria for this award is as follows:

1. Expertise in Yogasana:

• A deep knowledge of traditional yogasana, competitive standards, and the technicalities of scoring yogasana competitions.

• Extensive experience as a certified judge in national and international yogasana competitions, particularly under the Asian Yoga Sports Federation or other national bodies.

2. Fairness and Integrity:

• Consistently demonstrating impartiality, fairness, and integrity in judging competitive events, ensuring that each athlete is evaluated based on their performance without bias.

• Adhering strictly to the rules and guidelines set by the federation, maintaining transparency in the decision-making process, and providing clear feedback when required.

3. Contribution to the Development of Competitive Yogasana Judging:

• Playing a significant role in developing, refining, or standardizing judging criteria for competitive yogasana, contributing to the growth and professionalism of the sport.

• Participating in judge training programs, workshops, or seminars aimed at improving the quality and consistency of yogasana judging across Asia.

4. Ethical Conduct and Professionalism:

• Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, and sportsmanship while interacting with athletes, coaches, and fellow judges.

• Serving as a role model for other judges, displaying calmness, focus, and thoroughness in high-pressure competitive environments.

5. Commitment to Long-Term Involvement in Yogasana:

• Demonstrating a long-term commitment to the sport of yogasana, both as a judge and as a supporter of the sport’s development and professionalization.

• Contributing to the sustainability of competitive yogasana by ensuring judging practices uphold the core values of fairness, discipline, and respect in the sport.

This award would celebrate judges who not only perform their role with technical excellence and fairness but also actively contribute to the growth of competitive yogasana as a respected and recognized sport across Asia.

Nomination opens every year in January, results are announced either in March or October depends on the AYSF calendar of events.

Nominations can be sent to: Awards@asianyogasan.com