BRICS Traditional Sports Games Set for 2026 in Ahmedabad
Upcoming BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games
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 in Ahmedabad at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex on October 12, 2026. This event is part of India's BRICS Chairmanship.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will officiate the opening ceremony, which 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.
The Games aim to unite delegations from BRICS member and partner nations to highlight traditional and indigenous sports, fostering cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and cooperation through sports.
Structured as a non-competitive event, the focus will be on demonstrating, documenting, and sharing traditional sports practices, emphasizing cultural importance, interaction among practitioners, and knowledge exchange.
Countries participating will present a variety of traditional sports and cultural practices, 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
* Ethiopia: Ethiopian Wrestling (Tegel), Ethiopian Gena (Field Hockey), and Selus Gebeta/18-12/Bube/Shahe
* 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
Additionally, bilateral discussions with visiting delegations are scheduled to explore ways to enhance cooperation in sports and promote traditional games within the BRICS framework.
This event is anticipated to be a distinctive platform for celebrating the diverse sporting heritage of the participating nations while promoting mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and stronger ties among BRICS countries.