Pregasvathy Ganesh, 22 hailing from Sungai Petani, Kedah, has etched her name in Malaysia’s annals of achievement by clinching the gold medal at the esteemed 10th International Yoga & Cultural Festival held on May 11th this year in Dubai, UAE. Her triumph in the Traditional Yogasana Sports Championship at the Grand Excelsior Hotel not only signifies personal dedication but also underscores Malaysia’s prowess on the global yoga stage.
Pregasvathy’s journey into yoga began early under the nurturing guidance of her parents, who fostered her interest by enrolling her in classes held at their local temple. Initially reluctant, she soon discovered a passion for yoga through local and state-level competitions, where her natural talent for asanas shone through.
“My father has a small temple in Sungai Petani, and my mother would send me to yoga classes held there since I was a kid. Initially, I had to force myself to attend these classes, but after starting to participate in yoga competitions at the northern and state levels and witnessing my successes in them, I was inspired to pursue yoga further,” Pregasvathy said.
Pregasvathy’s Journey, From Academic Success to Yoga Mastery
After completing her secondary education at SMK Ibrahim, Sungai Petani Pregasvathy pursued her academic aspirations in computer science at Uniten Putrajaya. She recently finished her degree in cybersecurity at the same university. Despite her rigorous academic pursuits, her dedication to yoga remained steadfast, leading her to enroll in International Yoga Instructor Course (IYIC) under the guidance of Master Mani Sekaran, accredited by the Malaysian Association of Yoga Instructors (MAYI).
“I completed three levels in the course. I saw another side of yoga and realized that it’s not just about doing various asanas and postures; it’s a lifestyle that helps us discover our true selves. Initially, I believed yoga was only for competitions, but after the course, I integrated yoga into my daily life, experiencing profound changes within myself. I completed all three levels last year on May 21st.”
The IYIC course proved transformative, expanding Pregasvathy’s perspective beyond competitive asanas to embrace yoga as a holistic lifestyle. This shift empowered her to integrate yoga seamlessly into her daily routine, enhancing her physical prowess and inner balance.
Pregasvathy’s crowning achievement came through her participation in the International Yoga Competition in Dubai, facilitated by her mentor Rajendran of Yoga Asia Academic. Selected to compete in the 20-30 age female category, she impressed judges with her poise, flexibility, and emotional composure during a rigorous selection process that included various asanas like forward bending, backward bending, arm balancing, leg balancing and twisting.
“I got the opportunity to participate in this International Yoga Competition in Dubai thanks to my yoga master Rajhentiren, who is the founder of Yoga Academic Asia. In Malaysia, students attending yoga competitions have very few chances to reach the national level, so this academy motivates students willing to participate in international-level yoga competitions.”
Judging Criteria and International Participation
Pregasvathy further explained that, “the judges give us a chart where we can choose 5-6 asanas, including forward bending, backward bending, and twisting arm balancing. This is how the categories are structured, then ask us to perform 5 to 6 asanas from the list we have selected from the chart.
They observe how much time we take to complete the asanas, our emotional stability, and flexibility. The judges choose the winner based on how well we perform the asanas, considering aspects such as facial expression, flexibility, and body stability. A total of 9 countries participated in this Yoga Competition, including competitors from the US, UAE, India, Pakistan, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and two other countries.”
Pregasvathy’s Yoga Achievements
Her success has not been limited to Dubai, Pregasvathy has also represented Malaysia in Mumbai and Cambodia, securing accolades that underscore her growing stature in the global yoga community. Despite the demands of her final semester and part-time roles as a yoga instructor, she maintains a rigorous practice schedule, striving for continuous improvement.
“In 2019, I had the opportunity to participate in a unique yoga championship held in Mumbai. This competition challenged participants to demonstrate their skills using a pole and rope in various yoga poses. Prior to the competition, the organizers visited Malaysia and hosted a comprehensive two-day workshop, which brought together yoga enthusiasts from across the region. During this workshop, I honed my techniques and practiced intensively to prepare for the upcoming competition.
I proudly represented my Yoga Academy as the sole participant qualified to compete in Mumbai, while others hailed from various academies elsewhere. This experience not only showcased my dedication to yoga but also allowed me to engage with fellow practitioners, exchange techniques, and embrace the diversity of yoga practices on a global scale.”
After my participation in the Mumbai yoga championship in 2019, I continued to pursue opportunities in yoga competitions. Subsequently, I competed in Cambodia, organized by TRAACS Malaysia in collaboration with an organization in India.During this competition, I achieved second place, further cementing my dedication and success in the field of yoga.”
Pregasvathy’s Journey of Self-Belief and Excellence in Yoga
“Regardless of any challenges I faced, my unwavering belief in myself and my determination to excel in the competition fueled my efforts. Participating in this event was not just about achieving success but also about pushing myself to give my absolute best. The experience significantly boosted my self-confidence, reinforcing my belief in my capabilities.
Despite having only seven days to prepare for the competition, I dedicated myself fully to practicing and refining my skills. Each day of practice allowed me to gauge and improve my abilities. The day before the competition in Dubai, I intensified my practice sessions, aiming to surpass my previous performances. I understood that mastery in yoga as in any discipline requires consistent daily practice and dedication to refine both body and mind,” she uttered.
Reflecting on the challenges she faced, Pregasvathy acknowledged initial apprehensions about competing internationally, especially against seasoned practitioners from countries like India. However, with unwavering support from her family and mentors, she overcame these doubts and emerged victorious.
“Despite my experience in numerous competitions, I faced apprehension before this particular event. Knowing that participants from India, renowned for their longstanding practice from a young age, excel in yoga, I felt a heightened pressure to compete with them. This fear of comparison and expectations weighed heavily on me as I prepared for the competition.
Fortunately, my parents provided unwavering support throughout my journey, believing in my abilities without placing any undue pressure on me to succeed. Their encouragement became a pillar of strength, helping me navigate my doubts and fears.Balancing my final semester studies with part-time roles as a yoga and dance instructor presented its own set of challenges. Time management became crucial as I juggled academic commitments, teaching responsibilities, and rigorous practice sessions for the competition. Despite these challenges, I remained determined and disciplined, finding ways to allocate sufficient time to hone my skills and prepare effectively.”
Rewarding Moments
“My parents attending this competition to see me perform was incredibly meaningful. Having competed in many events before without their presence, their attendance in Dubai marked a significant and emotional moment for me. Their support and encouragement have always been a driving force in my journey, and winning first prize with them watching made the achievement even more special.
It was a proud moment to share this success with my parents, who have stood by me through every challenge and triumph. This victory represents not just a culmination of hard work and dedication but also a personal triumph over fears and uncertainties. Their presence in Dubai symbolized their unwavering belief in me, and I am grateful for their constant support in pursuing my passion for yoga.”
Pregasvathy’s Vision for Youthful Yoga Empowerment and Community Outreach
Looking ahead, Pregasvathy envisions establishing her own yoga studio to impart her knowledge and passion to others, particularly focusing on engaging young people in the benefits of yoga as a lifestyle choice. She is determined to dispel misconceptions about yoga being merely a competitive sport, emphasizing its holistic benefits for physical health and mental well-being.
“As a young yoga enthusiast, I find it natural to connect with fellow young people and impart the practice in an engaging and enjoyable manner. My primary goal is to inspire and encourage all youngsters to embrace yoga as a lifestyle. Yoga offers holistic benefits that extend beyond physical fitness it promotes mental clarity, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. It has the potential to alleviate various health issues and foster inner peace and flexibility among practitioners of all ages.
Looking ahead, I am committed to giving back to the community by offering free yoga classes to underprivileged children in the near future. I believe that every youngsters deserve access to the transformative benefits of yoga, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By sharing my passion for yoga and providing these classes, I hope to empower young minds, promote healthy habits, and contribute positively to their overall well-being.”
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