IN A heart-warming tale of triumph, Bahrain’s own prop yoga team, led by the spirited Bahraini Ehsan Asghar, brought home not just the first place but also the coveted Champion of Champion award at the Himalaya Yoga Olympiad in Bangalore, India, held earlier this month.
This new youth initiative was propelled under the guidance of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) to promote yoga as a sport back in June 2023, with an aim at having world champion status at Yoga Olympiad – which they have now achieved.
This talented team, featuring the expertise of Indian expatriates – technical director Dr Komal and programme director Rudresh Kumar – and Bahraini athletes Nuzhat Najam, Reham Farhat and Zahraa Matar, aren’t just about winning competitions.
They’re about creating a community where everyone, regardless of physical limitations, can experience the joy of yoga.
Ehsan shares the heart of prop yoga and therapy, where wooden, metal, rope, or fabric props become the bridges to joyous yoga postures.
A before and after of an individual suffering from scoliosis who realigned their posture through yoga therapy
These props open the door for those facing challenges such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, scoliosis and more, making yoga a celebration of movement and inclusivity.
What’s more, these props are crafted with love right here in Bahrain, adding a local touch to global success.
The annual yoga extravaganza wasn’t just about striking poses; it was a holistic celebration of yogic science.
The team, true to their uplifting spirit, not only showcased the beauty of asanas, the physical practice of yoga, but also dazzled with their knowledge in a way that left everyone in awe.
Their unique performance of advanced techniques like the graceful Danda Dhauti, which consisted of passing a 91.4cm-long, 6mm wide rubber stick into the oesophagus (traditionally made from the core of a banana plant or lotus stem) and slowly taking it out again. It is designed to remove excess bile from the intestine, excess mucus and balance PH levels, brought smiles and applause, making them stand out in a field of competitors.
A before and after of an individual suffering from kyphosis who realigned their posture through yoga therapy
What makes this victory even sweeter is the international camaraderie fostered at the competition. Countries like Bahrain, China, Nigeria, Kenya and Syria united in a global celebration of yoga, highlighting the universal joy that comes from this ancient practice.
Ehsan’s personal journey adds a profound layer to this triumph. Having battled hallucinations for two and a half years and finding his cure through yoga under his master, Shri Bandi Ramulu, Ehsan transformed his master’s legacy into the thriving Budaiya-based PROP Yoga and Therapy Centre.
Beyond competitions, Ehsan actively organises wellness events in Bahrain, fostering a community dedicated to holistic well-being.
Ehsan’s personal journey, from overcoming mental hurdles to creating a haven for wellness, adds a touch of inspiration to this joyous tale. The studio isn’t just a place to practise; it’s a community hub where champions are made, and smiles are abundant with more than 50 Bahraini students enrolled.
As Ehsan reflects on the broader impact of yoga in daily life, he emphasises its role as a lifestyle that goes beyond the mat. Yoga, for him, is a daily dose of joy, incorporating a range of breathing techniques, alongside posture and meditation. It’s not just about finding balance physically but also mentally and emotionally.
For those eager to join the joyous journey, the doors of prop yoga are wide open in Bahrain. The studio – where champions like Reham, Nuzhat, Zahraa, Dr Komal, and Rudresh practice – is not just a space for physical well-being; it’s a place where the community comes together to celebrate life through yoga.
l Connect with them on Instagram @propytc and the website propytc.com to be part of this joyful movement. After all, in the world of prop yoga, according to proponents, every pose is a step closer to a brighter, happier community.
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