By MoT
Siem Reap, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Embassy of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia, together with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, and relevant ministries and institutions, organized the 12th International Day of Yoga under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” at the Royal Residence Park in Siem Reap Province.
This peaceful morning event was officially inaugurated under the presidency of H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, and H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The event was attended by H.E. Hab Touch, Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, H.E. Bun Sok, representative of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, H.E. Ngov Sengkak, representative of the Governor of Siem Reap Province, as well as senior officials from relevant ministries and institutions, civil servants, national and international distinguished guests, Cambodian and foreign citizens, students, with a total participation of more than 500 people.
The celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga not only promoted the globally recognized health benefits of yoga practice, but also contributed to further promoting Cambodia as a tourism destination to the Indian and international markets, while 2026 continues to be designated as the Cambodia–India Tourism Year. In particular, the event helped promote Wellness Tourism, a tourism product that Cambodia is developing and enhancing to meet the growing demands of domestic and international tourists seeking relaxation, health care, and mental well-being.
At the same time, H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung emphasized that the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” for 2026 reflects the growing recognition by the international community of yoga’s role in enhancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Originating from ancient India, yoga is now widely practiced across the world and received the support of 177 countries in the United Nations’ proclamation recognizing 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.
Through the joint organization of this significant 12th International Day of Yoga by the Ministry of Tourism and the Embassy of India in Cambodia, the event demonstrates the strong commitment of both governments to strengthening and expanding Cambodia–India friendship, as well as promoting cooperation in tourism, culture, education, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. Furthermore, the event contributed to showcasing the rich cultures, civilizations, traditions, and tourism potential of Cambodia and India, aiming to achieve further positive outcomes under the implementation of the Cambodia–India Tourism Year 2025.
It should be noted that Cambodia has celebrated the International Day of Yoga consecutively since 2015, and the Embassy of India in Cambodia has maintained close cooperation with ministries, state institutions, educational establishments, and related partners to promote yoga practice and healthy lifestyles in Cambodia.
Following the event in Siem Reap, the 12th International Day of Yoga will continue to be celebrated in Phnom Penh on 21 June 2026, starting at 6:00 AM, at the Techo Meas and Techo Yat Gardens, located in front of Ounalom Pagoda (Chaktomuk Riverside Walking Street).
