In a defining moment for the evolution of dance sport in Asia, the World Federation of Acrobatic Dances and Dance Sports (WFADS), in association with the National Federation of Acrobatics and Dance Sport India (NFADI), is set to host the WFADS Asian Championship Cup 2026 in India. This pioneering initiative marks the large-scale introduction of Acrobatic Rock & Roll and Acro Swing, blending high-performance sport with artistic expression in a dynamic and competitive format.
The event will be preceded by the Asia Training & India’s Nationals Selection Camp, scheduled from May 4th to 7th, 2026 at Manthan Gymnastics Academy, Chattarpur, New Delhi. The camp will feature internationally acclaimed world champions including Svetlana Gavrilova & Alexey Gavrilov, Olga Sbitneva & Ivan Yudin, Igor Vinkovic, and Alex Deli, offering Indian athletes a rare opportunity to train under global experts.
The competitive segment will take place on Friday, May 8th, 2026, at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi, beginning with the National Championship (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM), which will serve as the official selection platform for Indian athletes. This will be followed by the Asian Championship (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM), where top talent from across Asia will compete on a prestigious continental stage.
Around 120 athletes will be participating, representing various states across India, including Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Haryana, and Punjab, with Goa likely to join. The event will also witness participation of nearly 100 international athletes from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Mongolia, Vietnam, China, and India, with additional participation from countries such as Afghanistan and Iran currently under confirmation.
This initiative is supported by the Guruji Ka Ashram Initiative and reflects a larger vision to build a strong ecosystem for acrobatic dance sports in India. It also aligns with the formation of the National Trust of Acrobatic Dances and Sports Development (India) and the upcoming National Federation of Acrobatics and Dance Sport India (NFADI), both aimed at strengthening grassroots development and aligning India with global WFADS standards.
Further strengthening the significance of this initiative is the institutional framework being established alongside the event. The recently formed National Trust of Acrobatic Dances and Sports Development (India), incorporated in April 2026, is focused on grassroots outreach, structured training modules, and long-term athlete development across the country. In parallel, the National Federation of Acrobatics and Dance Sport India (NFADI) is in the process of formalisation as the official governing body, aligned with global WFADS standards. Together, these bodies aim to create a sustainable pipeline from training to international competition, ensuring that Indian athletes are equipped to compete and excel on the world stage.
Jasmeet K. Shan, President, said: “The WFADS Asian Championship Cup 2026 is not just an event—it is the beginning of a movement that positions India at the forefront of a globally recognized dance sport. By introducing Acrobatic Rock & Roll and Acro Swing at scale, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem for athletes, performers, and youth across the country. This platform bridges sport and art, discipline and expression, while opening pathways for international recognition and Olympic ambition. India is ready to embrace this revolution.”
Oumy Sene, VP Expansion, WFADS, added: “Asia is a key growth region for acrobatic dance sports, and India has the energy and talent to lead this expansion. This championship marks a strategic step in building a strong international presence.”
Gurjit Singh Bajwa, General Secretary, said: “This initiative is about grassroots to global impact. We are building a structured pathway for Indian athletes to train, compete, and excel at the highest international standards.”
Darsdidar Singh, Vice President & Trustee, added: “This is a proud step towards giving Indian talent a global stage and recognition in a rapidly growing sport.”
As Acrobatic Rock & Roll and Acro Swing continue to evolve on the global stage, they are increasingly being positioned within broader international sporting frameworks, with long-term pathways that align with future Olympic possibilities. Notably, this emerging discipline brings together dancers, fitness experts, gymnasts, and aerobics professionals under one unified sport, offering a powerful global platform to showcase diverse skill sets within a competitive and artistic format.
With its powerful blend of athleticism, artistry, and international collaboration, the WFADS Asian Championship Cup 2026 is poised to redefine India’s position in the global dance sport arena. More than a championship, it represents the ignition of a nationwide movement; one that nurtures talent, builds structured pathways, and places India firmly on the world map of competitive dance sport. As the country steps into this dynamic new discipline, the event signals not just participation, but leadership, laying the foundation for sustained excellence, global recognition, and a bold march towards future Olympic aspirations.
