Vietnamese people celebrate International Yoga Day hinh anh 11,000 yoga enthusiasts gathered in Hanoi on June 17 (Photo: cand.com.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) – As many as 1,000 yoga enthusiasts gathered in Hanoi on June 17 to celebrate the third International Yoga Day by flexing their bodies in various postures.

The event was held as part of the activities to mark the Vietnam-India Friendship Year, the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-India diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of strategic partnership between the two countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Parvathaneni Harish said that Yoga has been even more popular worldwide since the United Nations General Assembly chose June 21 as the International Yoga Day following the proposal of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Yoga has been a key element contributing to the friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and India, he said.

The Indian Ambassador stressed that Yoga is India’s gift to humanity, he stressed, given that Yoga helps people balance their bodies, mind and soul.

Meanwhile, Truong Minh Tien, Vice Director of the municipal Culture and Sports, said that the two countries have enjoyed sound people-to-people exchanges.

Temples from Cham Civilisation, My Son sanctuary in Quang Nam province together with the development of Yoga have been clear evidence to the Vietnam-India cross cultures, Tien affirmed.

Vietnam and India boast huge potential to further multi-faceted cooperation, he said, adding that Hanoi is currently home to 18 Indian investment projects with a total registered capital of 4.6 million USD.

Hanoi and India’s localities need to promote collaboration, focusing on addressing barriers and prioritise cooperation in fields of two sides’ strengths, he added.

Other eight localities also responded to the Yoga Day, including Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Phuc, Vinh city (Nghe An), Da Nang city, Nha Trang city (KHanh Hoa province), Long An province, Dong Nai province and Can Tho City.

On the occasion, a Yoga book published by the Indian Government were introduced presented to participants to the event.-VNA
VNA