The first ever yoga center opened in northern Balkh province on Sunday with the support of Balkh Physical Education Department in cooperation with the Indian consulate. 

Rokai Sarkhosh, head of the physical education department, said they are trying to develop yoga in the province. 

“The participants will receive training for one month and then the ones who excel will be selected for further training,” said Sarkhosh. 

Around 30 youths took part in the first class at the center. Of these, 15 were girls. 

One aspiring student, Sayed Sultan, said yoga strengthens muscles and also promotes good mental health and that is why he has chosen to take part. 

“This sport creates a good relationship between the brain and the body,” said Sultan. 

“Yoga is useful for the mental wellbeing of a human being,” said Sowita, another student. 

The participants are being taught by Indian yoga instructor Ghulam Askar Zaidi. 

Zaidi said practicing yoga prevents many diseases and that it is practiced by people in over 170 countries around the world. 

Yoga originated in India and caught on a few years ago in Afghanistan. 

The first yoga center was opened last year in Kabul by a group of women.