In a significant expansion of its mission to strengthen rural communities through sport, Isha Gramotsavam 2026, the annual rural sports festival organised by Sadhguru’s Isha Outreach, is set to become its biggest edition yet. Now in its 18th year, the tournament will, for the first time, extend beyond South India to include 10 states and one Union Territory, bringing together over 80,000 players from 40,000 villages.
Joining the long-standing participating states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry are Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra, marking a major step towards creating a truly national grassroots sporting movement.
Nearly 7,000 village teams, including around 15,000 women athletes, will compete in volleyball (men) and throwball (women) for a prize pool exceeding ₹1 crore. Winning teams at the Grand Finale will receive ₹5 lakh, with rewards extending across cluster, divisional and state levels. The tournament also includes dedicated recognition for para-athletes, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive participation.
Recognised as a National Sports Promotion Organisation by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Isha Gramotsavam has, over the past two decades, evolved into one of India’s largest community-driven sports initiatives. Since its inception in 2004, it has engaged more than 2.6 lakh rural players, inspiring thousands of first-time participants while promoting healthier lifestyles, women’s participation and stronger community bonds.
A multi-stage competition will begin with cluster-level matches across participating states in July, followed by divisional and state rounds, culminating in the Grand Finale on September 6 at the Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, in the presence of Sadhguru before the iconic Adiyogi.
Speaking on the expansion, Swami Pulaka, Gramotsavam Coordinator, said, “With every edition, Isha Gramotsavam continues to grow not just in scale but in impact. The tournament provides a rare platform where grassroots talent is recognised and celebrated, while strengthening the spirit of community through sport.”
Stories emerging from the tournament reflect its transformative impact. Women who once rarely stepped outside their homes are now leading championship-winning teams, while village athletes have progressed to professional opportunities. The initiative deliberately excludes professional players, ensuring that rural talent receives a meaningful platform to compete and shine.
Beyond sport, Gramotsavam celebrates India’s rural heritage through folk performances, traditional games, regional cuisine and cultural showcases, turning the tournament into a vibrant festival of community life.
Reflecting on the role of sport, Sadhguru says, “Being playful is being very responsible and responsive to life. Only when you are playful can you truly respond to everything around you.”
Registrations for Isha Gramotsavam 2026 are now open for eligible rural players through the official event website. ishagramotsavam.sadhguru.org.
