India to lead chess and yoga at UN Games-2025

India is co-organising the second edition of the United Nations Games, taking the lead in chess and yoga at the unique annual tradition at the world body that aims to foster diplomacy and collaboration through the power of sports.

“It was an honour for me to be part of the Opening Ceremony of the Second @UN Games. As a co-organiser, India will take the lead on chess and yoga,” India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said in a post on X Wednesday.

Harish underlined that the UN Games are a celebration of the spirit of unity and international collaboration.

“I look forward to the inclusion of cricket in the next edition of the Games. I wish all participants the best. Team @IndiaUNNewYork, do well,” he said, referring to the Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

The United Nations Games 2025 will be held in April – May 2025.

Yoga will be held on April 9 at the Rose Garden, North Lawn in the UN headquarters, while chess will also be held the same day in the North Lawn's Olympic Corner. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a historic yoga session at the expansive North Lawn on the 9th International Day of Yoga commemorated

Harish noted that while not everyone may be active sportspersons, most members of the diplomatic community are avid fans and while people may root for different teams, they are united by sports.