72-Year-Old Yoga Exponent Defies Age Conventions, Inspires with Gold Medal Win

In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, Kakarla Umamaheswara Rao, a 72-year-old yoga exponent from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has shattered age barriers and emerged victorious at the Universal Yoga Sports Federation (UYSF) Asia Pacific Yoga Sports Championship 2023 held in Bangkok.  Rao, who had been an active participant in yoga during his younger years, was forced to pause his practice due to the demands of a busy life and job. However, a transformative experience at a yoga camp in Visakhapatnam in 1992 reignited his passion for yoga. After attending the camp and witnessing the disappearance of his severe migraines, he incorporated yoga into his daily routine once again. Dedicating a minimum of two hours to yoga practice every day, Rao has not only experienced mental and physical benefits but has also achieved remarkable success in various yoga competitions across the country. With nearly 60 medals to his name, he has become an inspiration to many. What sets Rao apart is not his focus on winning competitions, but his sheer participation and unwavering commitment to yoga. As a 72-year-old actively engaged in yoga, he has traveled across the country, leaving a lasting impact on people who witness his dedication. Rao attributes his good health and freedom from common health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure to his consistent practice of yoga. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health and dedicates at least 45 minutes a day to yoga, highlighting the positive impact it has on overall well-being.