TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese Olympic gold medalist Lee Yang (李洋) and yoga master Grand Master Akshar announced plans on Monday (March 10) to lead 5,000 participants in a world record attempt on International Yoga Day on June 21. The event will challenge participants to complete 12 yoga asanas, highlighting the global impact of yoga on health.
Lee, who secured gold in men's badminton doubles at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, has embraced yoga since 2020. At a press conference earlier that day, Lee expressed that yoga significantly enhances muscle training and coordination. Now teaching at the National Taiwan Sport University (國立體育大學), he emphasized its benefits for athletes.
Grand Master Akshar, hailing from India, shared his excitement about the event and Taiwan's natural beauty, calling it his "second home." He stated that yoga promotes healthy blood circulation, improving quality of life. Akshar humorously likened yoga's importance to Taiwanese culture to that of bubble tea.
Physical therapist Chen Hsiao-chien (陳曉謙) highlighted yoga's role in athletic training since it helps strengthen small muscle groups. He noted, "Yoga and Pilates can help athletes reach their limits during competitions."