THE Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Health will soon come up with a new comprehensive program aimed at helping Tanzanians participate in yoga and football exercises to curb many health problems, reduce medical costs and improve mental health.

Gerson Msigwa, the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports Permanent Secretary revealed when he graced the celebration of the 10th International Day of Yoga at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC) football ground yesterday.

Some Indian diaspora, Vietnamese, and Tanzanians including students from universities, primary, and secondary schools took part in the celebrations.

“Right now, we are in discussion to find out how we will implement the program,” Msigwa said.

He called on Tanzanians nationwide to exercise yoga to improve their health and minimize medical expenses.

“Yoga exercises can be done everywhere at any time, they help us manage stress, improve our flexibility and strength, and boost our immune system, they can be a valuable resource for staying healthy," he said.

He called on Tanzanians and foreigners living in the country to support his ministry once it begins implementing the program.

Manoj Verma, Charge d’Affaires at India's High Commission to Tanzania, added that the Indian diaspora - both young and elderly - had joined Tanzanians to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga to raise awareness of the many benefits of yoga for physical well-being and mental health.

Verma revealed: “This year the International Day of Yoga carries a unique theme: 'Yoga for Self and Society' and, during the event, participants practiced various yoga poses involving patterned breathing, joints, and muscle loosening."

"They moreover did exercises for neck, shoulders, hands, and legs, standing postures, sitting postures, crocodile postures, rabbit postures, bridge postures, and medication," he said.

According to Verma, yoga promotes physical well-being, has mental health benefits for individuals, and fosters peace and harmony.

He lauded everyone who turned up for the occasion for being part of the event that helped people transform their minds, soul, humanity, and well-being.

“This year, we moreover have cultural performance that includes dance and music to promote cultural relations between Tanzania and India,” he said.

He asked people to practice yoga to improve flexibility, have good health, and bolster well-being.

Verma pointed out that yoga is practiced by millions of people and is increasingly gaining popularity, therefore, it is time for Tanzanians to practice it because India has yoga experts who can train them.