"Yoga is a great treasure given to us by our ancestors. We have to protect this treasure," Narasimhan, who performed Yogasanas at an event held in Raj Bhavan here, said.
"Yoga helps in reducing stress and tensions associated with the modern day lifestyle," he said.
Narasimhan said one can acquire better mental and physical health by practicing pranayama or breathing exercises for 10-15 minutes everyday.
"Yoga is not a religious activity," he said, adding that the traditional practice promotes good health.
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The usually busy and noisy badminton courts at the Gopichand badminton academy turned into a silent 'Yoga zone' as players, coaches, parents of trainees and a few residents of Gachibowli and Madhapur attended the Yoga session at the facility.
"Yoga is a holistic system that develops not only physical competency but also control over mind. It helps in control over the body, good breathing habits, to keep calm under pressure and highly developed concentration skills. We encourage our athletes to practice yoga and meditation. Yoga is one of the mandatory programme as part of our Physical Literacy initiative," Gopichand said.
Dattatreya, Telangana BJP president K Laxman and several other party leaders attended the International Yoga Day celebrations at the Sanjeevaiah park here.
Popular Telugu film star and TDP MLA in AP N Balakrishna, who is the chairman of the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, took part in an event organised at the KBR Park in the city.
Perala Shekhar Rao, the vice chairman of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, which comes under the Union sports ministry, led the International Yoga Day celebrations at Saroornagar indoor stadium.