BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 Held in Ahmedabad
The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 were held on 12 October 2026 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Naranpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The event celebrated the sporting heritage, cultural diversity, and people-to-people connections among BRICS nations.
Inauguration
- The Games were inaugurated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports.
- The event was attended by Harsh Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, along with delegates, athletes, technical officials, and cultural representatives from participating countries.
India’s Vision for Sports
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted India’s commitment to making sports a key pillar of nation-building.
He noted that India is developing a sustainable sports ecosystem through:
- Grassroots participation
- Talent identification
- Coaching and sports science
- Infrastructure development
- Athlete welfare and international exposure
Khelo India Investment
- India has committed nearly US$3.76 billion under the Khelo India initiative to strengthen sports development and infrastructure.
BRICS Cooperation Proposals
- India proposed three areas of collaboration among BRICS nations:
- Creation of a BRICS Repository of Traditional and Indigenous Sports.
- Exchange programmes for practitioners, coaches, researchers, and cultural experts.
- Periodic demonstration of traditional sports at future BRICS sporting events.
Fit India Movement
- The Minister highlighted the success of the Fit India Movement.
- The ‘Sundays on Cycle’ campaign has engaged over 5 million participants across more than 3 lakh locations, with 94 editions conducted so far.
Traditional Sports Showcase
Participating countries demonstrated their indigenous sports, including:
- India: Mallakhamb, Yogasana, Kalaripayattu
- China: Wushu, Lion Dance, Health Qigong
- Brazil: Capoeira, Para-Jiu-jitsu, Log Race
- Russia: Gorodki, Sambo
- South Africa: Kgati, Iintonga
- Iran: Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang, Ghanieh
- Kazakhstan: Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak, Qazaq Kuresi
- Belarus, Bolivia, and UAE also showcased traditional sporting disciplines.
Cultural Exchange
- The games were complemented by cultural performances and audience-engagement activities.
- Participating teams were felicitated at the conclusion of the programme.
Key Takeaway
The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 provided a platform for showcasing traditional sports, preserving cultural heritage, promoting inclusive participation, and strengthening friendship and cooperation among BRICS nations through sport and cultural exchange.
