“Every rural game represents not just the village, but the whole of Bharat. This is the soul of Isha Gramotsavam, showing us the journey from village to world,” said Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, speaking at the Grand Finale of Isha Gramotsavam, Bharat’s largest rural sports festival. The finale was conducted yesterday at the iconic 112-ft Adiyogi, Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore.
“I came to Isha Gramotsavam to learn from Sadhguru how he organised an event at this scale,” further added the Minister, praising the magnitude and reach of Isha Gramotsavam 2025.
The 17th edition of Isha Gramotsavam spanned 183 locations over two months, featuring 63,220 participants—including a record 12,000+ women players. For the first time, the festival reached Odisha, alongside six states—Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana—and the Union Territory of Puducherry. A total of 5,472 teams from more than 35,000 villages took part, showcasing the scale of the event.
The finale was graced by Sadhguru, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, ace shuttler Saina Nehwal, Chess Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu, and para-Olympian Bhavina Patel, adding to the festive spirit of the day.
Deeply moved by the rural talent and spirit on display, the Sports Minister further urged Sadhguru’s support in identifying rural talent and expressed his interest in signing an MoU with Isha Foundation.
“It is my commitment that by 2028, Isha Gramotsavam must be in all the 28 states of the country. It’s not about the sport but essentially to reignite, rekindle a different level of life in rural India,” said Sadhguru, addressing the gathering.
Highlighting the uplifting spirit of sports and the importance of playfulness in life, Sadhguru added, “If our population is strong, vibrant, competent and inspired, we can be the greatest miracle on this planet. If there is playfulness, you can carry even an empty stomach joyfully. And if you want to be successful, your body and mind must function at their best.”
In his latest post on X, Sadhguru shared, “A spirited human being cannot be stopped, irrespective of what challenges they face. It is important to bring back this spirit in rural Bharat where a majority of our population lives with many complex daily challenges. #IshaGramotsavam is an effort at infusing a sense of joy and abandon into people’s lives - in every home, in every village - so they carry themselves lightly and learn to enjoy the game of life. We want everyone of you to stand with us to take Gramotsavam to all the states and union territories of Bharat by 2028. Let’s make it happen. Congratulations and best wishes to the finalists and everyone involved in the success of Gramotsavam.”
Moved by the passion and grit of the rural players, badminton star Saina Nehwal observed that the atmosphere rivalled that of a packed cricket stadium, telling the Sports Minister that Isha Gramotsavam holds lessons for building the sporting culture of the country.
Chess Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu said, “Watching Isha Gramotsavam, one feels a wave of positive energy. Sports go beyond winning or losing — they teach us to grow, accept victory and defeat with equanimity, and stay calm in challenges.” Encouraging the para-athletes, Paralympian Bhavina Patel emphasised that the body is just one part, and the real disability lies in not using the mind.
The finale, true to its reputation, delivered nail-biting clashes that had the crowd on its feet, with both Women’s Throwball and Men’s Volleyball finals going down to the wire. In Women’s Throwball, Badgannauru from Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka emerged champions, overcoming Team Devarayapuram from Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. Team Uttamasolapuram, Salem district, Tamil Nadu clinched the Men’s Volleyball title, defeating Team Heggadihalli, Bangalore Rural district, Karnataka.
Champions bagged ₹5 lakh each, runners-up claimed ₹3 lakh, while second and third runners-up won ₹1 lakh and ₹50,000, sealing an electrifying end to the tournament. A special highlight of the finale was the para-volleyball competition, showcasing the indomitable spirit of differently-abled athletes.
Beyond the thrill of sports, the festival celebrated rural India’s rich cultural heritage. Two thousand women performed Tamil Nadu’s Valli Kummi, alongside Oyilattam and Therukoothu. Kerala’s Panchari and Chenda Melam, Telangana’s Kusadi dance, and Karnataka’s Puli Vesham added to the festivities, while visitors explored over 30 stalls offering authentic South Indian cuisine.
Launched by Sadhguru in 2004, Isha Gramotsavam has become a powerful tool for social transformation- helping villagers overcome addictions, breaking caste barriers, empowering women, and reviving the vibrant, playful rural spirit. Teams can be formed only with players from the same village panchayat, bringing communities together and celebrating local pride.