BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Games 2026 Kick Off in Ahmedabad
Celebrating Cultural Heritage Through Sports
The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 commenced on Monday at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
This day-long event gathered dignitaries, athletes, technical officials, and representatives from various countries to honor the sporting heritage and cultural diversity of BRICS nations, as stated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs, Mansukh Mandaviya, officially opened the games, emphasizing India's commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure as a means of nation-building.
In the presence of Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, Mandaviya addressed attendees from the ten BRICS nations, reaffirming India's dedication to fostering a robust sporting culture.
He remarked, “India is prioritizing sports in nation-building. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, we are revolutionizing our sports ecosystem to create pathways from grassroots to elite levels.”
Mandaviya elaborated on India's comprehensive approach, which includes grassroots engagement, talent scouting, coaching, sports science, infrastructure enhancement, athlete welfare, and international exposure, aiming to establish a sustainable sports framework for the future. He noted that approximately $3.76 billion has been allocated through the Khelo India initiative to support this transformation.
He proposed three key areas for collaboration among BRICS nations to safeguard and promote traditional sports.
“The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Games serve as a platform to highlight not just the sports themselves, but also the rich history and cultural significance behind each tradition. As we advance this initiative, I propose three areas for cooperation,” Mandaviya stated.
“Firstly, we should establish a voluntary BRICS Repository of Traditional and Indigenous Sports to document their history, cultural importance, rules, equipment, and playing conditions,” he added.
“Secondly, we should facilitate exchanges among practitioners, coaches, researchers, educational institutions, and cultural experts across BRICS countries,” he continued.
“Lastly, we should consider showcasing traditional and indigenous sports at future BRICS sporting events,” he concluded.
Mandaviya also highlighted India's efforts to integrate sports into daily life through the FiT India Movement.
“Through the Fit India Movement, we are advocating for fitness as a lifestyle choice,” he explained.
“Our ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative has gained remarkable traction, with over 5 million participants cycling across more than 300,000 locations every Sunday. To date, we have conducted 94 editions of ‘Sundays on Cycle’ throughout India.”
The ten BRICS nations showcased various indigenous sports at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, including:
Belarus: Gorodki
Bolivia: Lucha de Cholitas, Tinku, Rayuela, Trompo, Cachinas, and Carrera de Sacos
Brazil: Zarabatana (Indigenous Blowpipe), Corrida de Toras (Log Race), Brazilian Para-Jiu-jitsu, and Capoeira
China: Wushu, Lion Dance, and Health Qigong
India: Mallakhamb, Yogasana, Kalaripayattu
Iran: Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang, and Ghanieh
Kazakhstan: Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak, and Qazaq Kuresi
Russia: Gorodki and Sambo
South Africa: Kgati and Iintonga
United Arab Emirates: Al Tabbah
The demonstrations were enhanced by cultural performances and interactive activities for the audience. At the end of the event, participating teams were honored for their contributions.
The Games served as a vital platform for BRICS nations to share the history, values, and practices of their traditional sports, reinforcing the significance of preserving cultural knowledge while modernizing sports and fostering inclusive participation and cooperation among the BRICS community.