BRICS Declaration Highlights Sports as a Catalyst for Social Development

The BRICS Declaration 2026, unveiled at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, emphasizes the crucial role of sports in fostering social development and cultural exchange. It highlights the upcoming BRICS Games in Ahmedabad, set for October 2026, which will celebrate traditional and indigenous sports. The declaration also supports the establishment of a Sports Goods Manufacturing Conclave to enhance cooperation in sports manufacturing and innovation. With a focus on youth participation and the integration of technology in sports, the declaration aims to strengthen ties among BRICS nations and promote healthy, active societies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 13, 2026, 00:14 IST

Significance of Sports in BRICS Declaration

During the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, the BRICS Declaration 2026 underscored the vital role of sports in fostering social development, enhancing people-to-people interactions, and promoting active lifestyles.

The declaration acknowledged the establishment of the BRICS Sports Working Group and the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on sports collaboration. It recognized the BRICS Games as a significant platform for cooperation across various sports, including high-performance, recreational, traditional, indigenous, and non-Olympic disciplines, while celebrating the cultural diversity of BRICS nations.

Moreover, it encouraged increased involvement of youth and students in popular, national, traditional, and indigenous sports, urging member nations to bolster cooperation in the sports sector.

Upcoming BRICS Games in Ahmedabad

Scheduled for October 12-13, 2026, the Games will take place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, offering a venue for BRICS countries to showcase and preserve their rich traditional and indigenous sporting heritage.

Designed as a non-competitive and culturally oriented initiative, the Games aim to promote cultural exchange, strengthen interpersonal connections, and enhance mutual understanding among the participating nations.

The event will also encourage voluntary participation from athletes, practitioners, and experts from the member countries, guided by principles of cultural sensitivity, mutual respect, and inclusivity, acknowledging the cultural significance and traditions associated with each sport.

Focus on Sports Development and Technology

The declaration emphasized the role of sports as a means for social development and the promotion of healthy societies. It praised the advancements made by the BRICS Sports Working Group, including the MoU on Cooperation in Physical Culture and Sport. The BRICS Games are seen as a platform for collaboration in high-performance sports, leisure activities, and the promotion of national, traditional, and indigenous sports.

The declaration also welcomed the initiative to organize a BRICS Sports Goods Manufacturing Conclave aimed at enhancing cooperation in sports manufacturing, research, and innovation.

Recognizing the growing significance of technology in sports, the declaration supports discussions on forming a Working Group on Sports Technology to improve athlete performance, welfare, governance, and inclusion.

Support for Sports Manufacturing Conclave

India's proposal for the BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave received widespread backing, with Udaipur, Rajasthan, suggested as the host city for its first edition in November 2026.

This conclave will act as a platform for sharing best practices, technologies, and innovations, promoting quality standards, and strengthening intra-BRICS trade while fostering resilient supply chains.

It aims to unite key players in the sports manufacturing sector, including manufacturers, exporters, investors, technology providers, SMEs, startups, and research institutions, to advance cooperation and growth in the industry.