The annual BAPS Yogi Cup Tournament is a sporting event where high school and collegiate youth (kishores) compete for the championship within their respective divisions. The principles of samp (unity), suradhbhav (solidarity), and ekta (oneness), those fostered by Yogiji Maharaj, are deeply ingrained in the foundation of Yogi Cup. The kishores in participation are enveloped in these messages and values as they engage in this competitive event over three days.
The Yogi Cup tournament not only integrated satsang concepts but also provided a platform for kishores to develop interpersonal skills such as teamwork, leadership, and collaboration. Pujya Swamis and volunteers ensured that every facet of Yogi Cup had relevance to satsang through the various activities as well as rules and guidelines for the competition. To further bolster the satsang values and principles, morning and evening programs were held allowing the kishores to experience a deeper sense of understanding and appreciation for the ability to integrate satsang into their day-to-day lives. Furthermore, kishores partook in their daily rituals together such as aarti and chesta during the event.
The Yogi Cup continues to provide for a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere where kishores can not only experience competition at a personal level but also build lifelong connections with fellow kishores from across the region. In addition, Yogi Cup provides an opportunity for geographically dispersed kishore mandals to come together and connect as a whole.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj continues to build on the profound vision set forth by His gurus, HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and HH Yogiji Maharaj. Their vision entails encouraging youths to be involved in all aspects of the sanstha, from performing seva to engaging in weekly sabhas (assemblies), summer shibirs (camps), and even events such as the Yogi Cup. The Yogi Cup tournament remains quintessential for kishores to grow in their personal satsang and build a stronger bond with their guru and their fellow kishores through samp, suradhbhav, and ekta.