The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) held a live virtual yoga session on Sunday (June 21) to mark the International Yoga Day, catering for Qatar Museums (QM) Culture Pass members. Themed ‘Yoga at Home at Yoga with Family’ this year, the event aims to spread public awareness about the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of practicing yoga. It is observed on June 21 annually.
QM noted that this idea was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 27, 2014 and debuted on June 21, 2015, describing the initiative as “an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition.”
In Qatar, 3-2-1 partnered with ‘Classtap’ to organise a live yoga routine, teaching basic poses, stretches and breathing exercises led by one of its instructors on Instagram (321qosm). The video was also posted on the same IG page for viewing.
Classtap is a lifestyle company which provides users access to different fitness and yoga sessions in Qatar “at any studio online with one tap” through its mobile application.
Residents can also participate in a daily yoga class while staying at home via Vishnu Swasthi Yoga’s Instagram page from 7.30pm to 8pm. “On the occasion of International Yoga Day, we would like you to revisit the yoga initiative between Qatar Museums and Qatar Foundation. As part of Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture, an Indian yoga master class was organised at the ceremonial court,” QM said.
QM, through verywellfit.com, highlighted the benefits of yoga: it improves flexibility, builds strength, increases muscle tone and definition, improves balance, supports joint health, prevents back pain, teaches better breathing, fosters mental calmness, reduces stress, and increases self-confidence.
The 3-2-1 forms part of QM’s long-term aim of creating a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure in the country. It occupies 19,000sqm of gallery space, which will be the largest museum of its kind in the world in terms of floor plan, exhibition area and content.
3-2-1, also a member of the Olympic Museum Network (currently unites 22 Olympic museums worldwide), aims to educate residents and visitors about the origins of global (Olympic) and Qatari sports, giving them access to hundreds of objects from around the world and interactive exhibits, in addition to unique activities.