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Selliah Joniton1, Mohamed Shafras2, Dilani Chathumali Jayasekara1

1Department of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka
2Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka

Narrative review on the importance of yoga in physical education and sports

J. Anthr. Sport Phys. Educ. 2024, 8(1), 29-36 | DOI: 10.26773/jaspe.240105

Abstract

One of India's spiritual systems, yoga, emphasizes the value of working with the human body to develop good thoughts and behaviours. Additionally, yoga assists in balancing our physical and mental conditions. However, lack of understanding about the impact of yoga in sports seems to have led to a decline in yoga practise specifically among sportsmen and sportswomen. Thus, this narrative review is designed for sportsmen and sportswomen, physical education students, teachers, yoga students, health professionals, and those who are inclined to study yoga. This review identifies a leaner relationship between the systems of yoga and sports, and provides information on the value of yoga in physical education and sports. All the data in this article were collected using search terms including “yoga”, “physical education”, “asana” and “sports”. Various beneficial yoga factors influence sport performance, and these important factors are outlined with appropriate evidence. All the findings included in this review paper highlight the importance of yoga in physical education and sports, and warrant the need of special awareness of the system of yoga in health, physical and sports education.

Keywords

Yoga, Asana, Physical education, Sports, Athletic Injuries



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