'Here's to flexibility, strength and growth' - Indian cricketers actively celebrate International Yoga Day

On the occasion of the International Yoga Day, celebrated on June 21, several cricketers such as Mithali Raj, and Ishant Sharma extended their wishes along with pictures of them performing yoga. The event came into existence after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.

The summer solstice, which comes on June 21, holds a special significance in the yogic culture; hence the ‘day of yoga’ is celebrated on that date. On the special occasion, Ishant urged his fans to create a balance in life and rejuvenate themselves. Harbhajan Singh, on the other hand, requested everybody to practice yoga to keep themselves mentally strong and physically fit.

“Yoga can be very peaceful and relaxing,” wrote Harbhajan, on Twitter. “On the occasion of #InternationalDayofYoga, I urge everyone to practice Yoga to keep themselves physically fit and mentally strong.”

Yoga ultimately leads to a happier life: Cheteshwar Pujara

Batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who is known for his mental strength and temperament on the crease, said that yoga can help one achieve a healthy body and a calm mind, which leads to a happier life. He also asked others to practise yoga for a healthy and peaceful life. Pujara, after being dropped from the India Test squad for a brief period, has been on a great run with the bat in the English County Championship. He is currently gearing up for the one-off Test match against England in Birmingham, starting on July 1.

Here is how various cricketers celebrated International Yoga Day

The secret to success is constant practice! Happy International Yoga Day 🧘‍♀️ #happyinternationalyogaday2022 pic.twitter.com/kGMmwkOn4G

— Deepti Sharma (@Deepti_Sharma06) June 21, 2022

Happy international yoga day 🧘❤️ pic.twitter.com/lq6HBR0YcJ

— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) June 21, 2022

" Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self – to the self."- The Bhagavad Gita.
Yoga combines the physical and spiritual disciplines that connect the body & mind. Happy International Yoga Day to all. #InternationalYogaDay2022 pic.twitter.com/mLFAZYsNfa

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 21, 2022

दुनिया को अगर स्वास्थ के क्षेत्र में किसी एक देश ने सबसे बड़ा तोहफा दिया है तो वो भारत है जिसने योग का ज्ञान दिया. #YogaForHumanity #YogaDay #yoga #योगदिवस #योग_दिवस #RPSwing pic.twitter.com/zJ9XF6MRu9

— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) June 21, 2022

I bend, so I don't break.
Happy International Yoga Day.#InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/alqzEqiHLz

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 21, 2022

Yoga can help you achieve a healthy body and a calm mind, which ultimately leads to a happier life. This #InternationalDayofYoga try practising Yoga yourself to lead a healthy and peaceful life. pic.twitter.com/UyIqHjRqin

— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) June 21, 2022

What better way to spend #InternationalDayofYoga than with our handworking doctors, nurses & healthcare professionals! pic.twitter.com/oKuPIRvAIf

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 21, 2022

Here's to flexibility, strength and growth!

This #YogaDay, let’s take a pledge to create a balance in life. Now is the time to take a step to rejuvenate ourselves. 🧘‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/mLrBvvTr3y

— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) June 21, 2022

Wishing good health to everyone on International Yoga Day 🧘‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/5gmsACjbGe

— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) June 21, 2022

Stretch your limits-mental,physical &spiritual through practicing yoga. Letting go&staying detached while being fully involved are two things yoga has taught me.I regularly practice yoga asanas&also imbibe its msg in my daily life.Wishing you all a happy #InternationalYogaDay2022 pic.twitter.com/56wZmMTXcR

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) June 21, 2022

Yoga se hi hoga 🧘🏽‍♂️

Happy International Yoga day ! #InternationalYogaDay #worldyogaday pic.twitter.com/boQF0VMlFQ

— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) June 21, 2022

A happy soul resides in a healthy body and yoga helps us achieve both. A very happy International Yoga Day to all of you. 🙏🏻#InternationalYogaDay pic.twitter.com/oCryQbpZjv

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) June 21, 2022

Yoga can be very peaceful and relaxing. On the occasion of #InternationalDayofYoga, I urge everyone to practise Yoga to keep themselves physically fit and mentally strong. pic.twitter.com/pKK4fsrrp4

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 21, 2022

Former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad posted a video of him performing Dhanurasana (bow posture) and wrote, “Add years to your life & life to your years by embracing Yoga in your life.” The 52-year-old, during his playing days, was known for his seam presentation and wicket-taking abilities in key games, and later went on to have a successful stint as the bowling coach of India. He explained the benefits of Dhanurasana: “It strengthens the back & abdominal muscles, tones legs & arm muscles, Opens up the chest, neck and shoulders and Alleviates stress & fatigue.”

Meanwhile, Mithali Raj, post her retirement, looks to be in fine fettle as she posted pictures of her performing yoga, showing her agility and core strength. She tweeted, “A happy soul resides in a healthy body and yoga helps us achieve both. A very happy International Yoga Day to all of you.”