India Shines at BRICS Traditional Games with Impressive Yogasana Display
India's Yogasana Impresses at BRICS Games
Photo: IANS
Ahmedabad, Oct 13: At the inaugural BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026, India's yogasana performance captivated delegations from China and South Africa. The event, held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, featured nearly 160 participants from ten different nations.
This one-day event showcased various traditional sports, including China's wushu, India's mallakhamb, Kazakhstan's togyzkumalak, and Brazil's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Among the highlights was India's presentation of yogasana, alongside mallakhamb and kalaripayattu, which drew significant international interest. Representatives from China and South Africa expressed admiration for the discipline.
Philasande Macwili, Chef-De-Mission of South Africa, remarked, “Yoga is a popular activity in South Africa for detoxification, stress relief, and enhancing flexibility. We embrace it wholeheartedly.”
He added, “It requires considerable physical effort, but many South Africans practice it daily.”
The audience of 3,000 at the venue erupted in applause during a dynamic mallakhamb demonstration by young Indian athletes, following a synchronized yogasana display.
India previously showcased its prowess in yogasana at the world championships in Ahmedabad in June, where it secured 114 medals, including 102 golds. A total of 31 nations earned at least one medal, with ten countries achieving gold.
The championships featured 79 nations and 522 athletes, with strong representation from Africa.
Yi Liu, Chef-De-Mission of China, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We learned so much about yoga today. Even during practice yesterday, we observed young children performing incredible movements. We are eager to learn more.”
The event also facilitated knowledge exchange among athletes from various countries. For instance, a Chinese wushu athlete was seen instructing Indian athletes from the National Centre of Excellence in Narayanpura.
Delegations praised India's hospitality and event organization. Liu noted that the Chinese delegation felt exceptionally welcomed upon their arrival in India.
“I checked with all our members, and they unanimously agreed that they have never been received so warmly as here in India. Even at the airport, a dance group greeted us at midnight, which was impressive. The meals were excellent, featuring both local and international cuisine. We enjoyed trying dosa, which was quite interesting. Everyone had a memorable stay in India,” Liu shared.
Russia also commended the event and the camaraderie among participating nations. Zlata Yakovleva, Head of Delegation of Russia, expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you for inviting us to this wonderful event. The hospitality from the Indian side is remarkable. We thoroughly enjoyed the accommodations and venues. The friendship among BRICS countries is the highlight for me, and we cherish participating in such events together.”
India sent the largest contingent with 50 participants, followed by China with 30, Iran with 22, and South Africa with 14.
The demonstration sports included Belarus’ Gorodki; Bolivia’s Lucha de Cholitas and Tinku; Brazil’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira; China’s Lion Dance, Wushu, and Health Qigong; Iran’s Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang, and Ghanieh; Kazakhstan’s Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak, and Qazaq Kuresi; Russia’s Sambo and Gorodki; South Africa’s Kgati and Iintonga; the UAE’s Altabbah; and India’s Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu.
Ahmedabad, set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, served as a platform for nations to showcase their traditional sports while promoting cultural exchange and friendship through athletics.