Embassy of India

Phnom Penh

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PRESS RELEASE

In coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture & Fine Arts, Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports, National APSARA Authority, Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, Union Youth Federations of Cambodia, Royal Government of Cambodia, and the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh organized the 10th edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024 in Cambodia at two different iconic locations: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. A total of around 1200 yoga enthusiasts participated in the celebrations, which included high-level dignitaries from the local government, representatives from diplomatic communities, Indian diaspora members, yoga practitioners, teachers from various yoga studios, colleges, and schools, and volunteers from the Union Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC).

The celebration commenced on June 19, 2024, at the National Olympic Stadium. The Guest of Honor, H.E. Hul Seila, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism, gave the opening remarks. H.E. Samedy Sivathana, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, highlighted the values of yoga asanas in public health and well-being. He said that practicing yoga always boosts immunity and resistance to common illnesses, stress, and anxiety. The Chief Guest, H.E. Hab Touch, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, addressed the gathering and discussed the importance of yoga in day-to-day life. Giving the vote of thanks, the Ambassador of India, Dr. (Ms.) Devyani Khobragade, emphasized the Government of India’s vision for yoga and its benefits for holistic well-being, as well as India's commitment to propagating yoga in Cambodia.

The main event under International Day of Yoga 2024 was celebrated on June 21 at the Elephant Terrace of Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap with more than 550 yoga participants from various institutions, schools, and organizations. The well-coordinated and synchronized yoga asanas by participants created a serene atmosphere at the Elephant Terrace. H.E. Hul Seila, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism, mentioned in his opening remarks that the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism has been working with the Embassy of India in Phnom along with other concerned authorities to organize the yoga event for the last nine years. Especially this year, Cambodia and India have jointly celebrated the year of tourism between the two countries. Another remarkable accomplishment is the direct flight between Cambodia and India, which just started on June 16, 2024, by Cambodia Angkor Air. This event has always played an important role in promoting the Cambodian tourism sector internationally. He encouraged all participants to practice yoga regularly at home and in the in the workplace to get their bodies physically fit and healthy. 

Ms. Manny Raingsey, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap, expressed sincere thanks to the Embassy of India, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports, and Ministry of Culture & Fine Arts for choosing this world heritage site of Angkor Archeological Park at Siem Reap to organize the grand international yoga event. It will attract more international tourists to visit Cambodia, which will boost Cambodian tourism and economic growth. The Siem Reap Governor Office will continue to support this event in the coming years. H.E. Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State, Ministry of Rural Development, encouraged all Cambodian citizens to continue practicing yoga in their lives. H.E. Samedy Sivathana, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and congratulated all for the 10th International Day of Yoga. He highlighted the relevance of yoga in daily life and the close cultural ties between India and Cambodia. Dr. (Ms.) Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India, thanked all ministries and departments of the Royal Government of Cambodia, especially the National APSARA Authority and Provincial Government of Siem Reap, for their cooperation. She also thanked sponsors for their generous assistance.

Earlier on June 14, 2024, a curtain-raising event was also held at the India-Cambodia Friendship School in Kampong Chhang Province to disseminate information on the celebration of the 10th International Day of Yoga in Cambodia and to create awareness on the benefits of yoga in daily life.

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