31st August 2012
Super Yoga Kids are super excited to have the kids participating in the Malaysian International Yoga Competition (MIYC) 2012!
The kids and teenagers are currently practising their 5 favourite yoga asanas and are all geared up to get on the stage on the 31st August 2012.
For more information about MIYC 2012 organised by Malaysian Yoga Society, click here.
Malaysian International Yoga Competition (MIYC) 2012 – 31st August, a Day of Liberation
by Surya Tay
Wasn’t it just yesterday that we witnessed the first MIYC last year which coincidentally fell on the same day as “Bersih 2.0”?!
“I join to win, teacher…” 17 year old Gayu responded with an earnest smile and meaningful eyes, after I had finished my consoling speech to this group of teen students after MIYC 2011 concluded. Not that this particular poised young lady had batted an eyelid of disappointment for not taking any places in her category that year. I knew exactly what she meant. Gayu was not referring to seizing any of the amazing prizes or having a medal placed around her neck. She was referring to the winning spirit, the attitude that one has when she/he signs up to participate- to put in her/his personal best.
Inside my heart I was so proud of her performance anyway, especially admiring the gentle stillness that always exuded from this blossoming young yogini. Even if she did not turn upside down for the judges, I just loved the way she floats on her arms as she firmly lifts up into the Padma Mayurasana (Lotus Peacock) and back bending balancing on one leg to tenderly touch her toes to her forehead in the Natarajasana. Now, where did she learn all that from? … Certainly not me! … not when here I am still working out the secret of the “flowing with lightness” asana bit. Children and the child like young or adult, are full of surprising wonders when it comes to yoga asanas.
“Winning is not everything. Most importantly is that we did our best and have enjoyed the experience of participation and … emm… also building confidence, of course.” I was rattling on earlier the duly thought over composed words of a yoga teacher who has to manage the few shaking heads of disappointed students, who had hoped to clinch one of the awesome prizes.
So once again in Kandiah Hall of Vivekenanda School, Brickfields, the very first venue of MYS Yoga Competition (5th May 2007, national level), we revisit as MIYC 2012. The warm woody ambience of this old school hall chock filled with buzzing participants and audience brought back memories. The wide stage was accommodating as a participant each from four different age group categories stepped up to take their place on a mat laid out side by side. Supporters clapped hard and cheered as they proceeded to display their five favourite asanas within the 4 minute limit. Breaths held whenever the odd one or two competitors stumbled and made their second chance qualifying attempt.
Outside the hall, throngs of sponsored school children participants were joining the unending queue to have their faces painted or hand stained with a decorative henna tattoo. For most of them, this was an exciting and unusual treat they were looking forward to since the announcements were made. Kind contributors of MYS had made it possible to ferry these lively children in bus loads from all corners of Klang Valley to the heart of K.L. Almost 200 in all!
Equally enthusiastic, were the adult participants from not just across country but spotted among the crowd were Thai, India, Iran and Japan nationals. The grounds of Vivekenanda School was alive with prana on this Merdeka Day. Could it possibly be also echoing the vibrations of the recently concluded Olympics?
