The term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘Union’. It is a blend of Physical and Mental Exercise designed to sharpen ones concentration, improve health and attain eternal contentment. It is an ancient science of India with holistic approach and a gift to the whole world. Yoga is about realizing your own physical, mental, and spiritual potential. Yoga is both preventive as well as therapeutic for health problems.

Yoga originated in India, ancient texts says more than about 50000(3000-B.C) years back.

There are different branches in yoga, Karmayoga (The path of selfless work), Bhakti yoga (The path of devotion), Rajayoga (The path of psychological control), and Jnanayoga (The path of knowledge or wisdom). These are the main four paths of yoga and there are also other different paths: they are Tantrayoga, Kundaliniyoga, Mantrayoga, Dhyanayoga, Japayoga Swarayoga…………. The aim of all yoga ultimately is same to get salvation.

Ha means sun energy’ and ‘Tha means moon energy’, thus to the aim of the Hatha Yoga system is to balance both the energies. Hatha yoga – a system of physical discipline that maintains the body in a clean and healthy condition. These practices are primarily intended for physical health and, for complete control over every muscle and nerve of the body. Hatha yoga is a part of Rajayoga.

Every sport involves vigorous movements. All vigorous activities shorten muscles and make them more susceptible to pulls and strains. It is necessary that the more a person involves himself in intensive and vigorous exercise, the more he needs to stretch. According to Mr. Herbert A. de Vries has shown the utility of stretching procedures in the prevention of athletic injuries. When athletes exercise vigorously their muscles are injured slightly. With healing ,the affected muscles become shorter and tighter. Such a muscle is more susceptible to injury. Those who do not stretch lack flexibility and are more frequently injured. In sports like running, the muscles most commonly injured by pulls and strains are the hamstrings and the calf muscles. Athletes competing in running sports should regularly practice stretching. Athletes engaged in running events should perform at least four asanas to prevent injuries during running events. These are : Padahastaasana .2. Pashcimaatanaasana,3, Ugraasaa, and Halasana.