Bertie Russell and Sarea Hidskes-Valora, who are both British yoga champions, will compete today at this year’s championships to defend their titles which will be held at Bikram Yoga City in east London. Each competitor must perform five compulsory postures followed by two freestyle “advanced” postures before a panel of judges. Contestants are awarded marks out of 10 for their technique, including movement, performance and gracefulness.

Likewise, Bertie and Sarea are part of a growing band of “yogis” who are pushing for yoga to be recognized as a seriously competitive and even Olympic sport.

“If figure-skating and gymnastics are recognized, then yoga deserves to have an equal platform,” Sarea says. “It requires just as much skill. Competitions can be extremely exciting and tense, and it is very beautiful to watch at the highest level of competition.”

source:www.telegraph.co.uk