BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games Set for 2026

The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games are scheduled for October 12, 2026, in Ahmedabad, India. Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Gujarat Government, this event aims to promote cultural exchange and showcase traditional sports from various BRICS nations. With a focus on non-competitive demonstrations, the Games will feature diverse sporting practices from countries like Brazil, China, and India. The event will also facilitate bilateral meetings to strengthen cooperation in sports among member nations, making it a unique platform for cultural celebration and mutual understanding.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 10, 2026, 14:00 IST

Overview of the BRICS Sports Event

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in partnership with the Gujarat Government, is set to host the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games on October 12, 2026. This event will take place at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, marking India's leadership role in BRICS.

Inauguration Details

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will officially open the event. The inauguration will also feature notable attendees such as Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, and Jayram Gamit, Gujarat's Minister of State for Sports, as stated by the Sports Ministry.

Cultural Exchange Through Sports

This event aims to unite delegations from BRICS member and partner nations to highlight traditional and indigenous sports, fostering cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and cooperation among people through sports.

The Games will serve as a non-competitive platform, emphasizing the demonstration, documentation, and sharing of traditional sports practices, while focusing on cultural importance and interaction among practitioners.

Showcasing Diverse Traditional Sports

Countries participating in the Games will present a variety of traditional sports and cultural practices, including:

1. Belarus: Gorodki

2. Bolivia: Lucha de Cholitas, Tinku, Rayuela, Trompo, Cachinas, and Carrera de Sacos

3. Brazil: Zarabatana (Indigenous Blowpipe), Corrida de Toras (Log Race), Brazilian Para-Jiu-jitsu, and Capoeira

4. China: Wushu, Lion Dance, and Health Qigong

5. Ethiopia: Ethiopian Wrestling (Tegel), Ethiopian Gena (Field Hockey), and Selus Gebeta/18-12/Bube/Shahe

6. India: Mallakhamb, Yogasana, Kalaripayattu

7. Iran: Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang and Ghanieh

8. Kazakhstan: Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak, and Qazaq Kuresi

9. Russia: Gorodki and Sambo

10. South Africa: Kgati and Iintonga

11. United Arab Emirates: Al Tabbah

Enhancing Bilateral Relations

On the sidelines of the Games, bilateral meetings with visiting delegations will be organized to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in sports and promote traditional and indigenous games within the BRICS framework.

This event is anticipated to be a distinctive platform for celebrating the rich sporting heritage of the participating nations, while also promoting mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and stronger ties among the BRICS countries.