29 Aug, 2025 ( TGN ): Envisioned by Sadhguru, Isha Gramotsavam, Bharat’s largest rural sports festival, is now recognised by FIT India, the Government of India’s flagship movement to encourage fitness as a way of life. Through sport and vibrant displays of rural culture, Isha Gramotsavam has emerged as a powerful catalyst for social transformation, reviving the rural spirit by helping villagers overcome addictions, break caste barriers, and empower women to step out of their homes and enjoy sports.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DN7MLkokS_7
A large part of the population, especially the rural population, which traditionally stays away from sports and fitness as they step into adulthood, now finds renewed energy through Isha Gramotsavam as it rekindles the joy of play, helping villagers stay active and embrace fitness in a fun, engaging way. Recognising its impact, Isha Outreach, which organises Isha Gramotsavam, received the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar from the President of India in 2018 for sports development through this unique initiative.
Speaking about the initiative, Sadhguru says, “Isha Gramotsavam is a celebration of Life through Sport. A game can unite people beyond all social divisions; this is the power of Sport – that it can erase boundaries of caste, religion and other identities with celebratory playfulness. This is not about becoming a competitive sportsperson, but just about being a Sport for life. If you can throw a ball with total participation & involvement, a ball can change the world. May you know the joy of Playing with abandon.”
The 2025 edition spans over 35,000 villages across 6 states namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Puducherry, and, for the first time, Odisha. More than 5,000 teams and 50,000 players, including 5,000 women, will participate. Competitions in Men’s Volleyball and Women’s Throwball will be conducted through a three-stage tournament- cluster, divisional, and culminating in the grand finale at the iconic 112-ft Adiyogi, Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, on 21 September 2025.
Unlike professional events, Isha Gramotsavam is designed exclusively for everyday rural citizens – farmers, fishermen, daily wage earners, and homemakers – giving them a platform to play, participate, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of rural India. Teams are formed only within the same village panchayat, strengthening community bonds and local pride. Isha Outreach has also been recognised as a National Sports Promotion Organisation (NSPO) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.
