Ahmedabad Hosts BRICS Traditional Sports Demonstration Games

The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 took place at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on 12 and 13 October 2026. Organised by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with the Government of Gujarat, the event was held under India’s BRICS Chairship. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Games on 12 October.

Event Format and Participation

The Games were organised as a non-competitive platform for demonstrating, documenting and sharing knowledge of traditional sporting practices. Delegations from BRICS member and partner countries included Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Approximately 160 participants presented sports and cultural practices from their countries. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi proposed five initiatives for BRICS countries to preserve indigenous sports. One proposal was the creation of a joint multilingual digital archive.

Traditional Sports Demonstrated

India presented Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu. Brazil showcased Zarabatana and Capoeira, while China presented Wushu and Lion Dance. Belarus demonstrated Gorodki, and Bolivia presented Lucha de Cholitas and Tinku. Other demonstrations included Russia’s Sambo, Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Kuresi and Iran’s Zoorkhaneh. The programme brought together sports and performance traditions from participating countries. Its activities centred on demonstrations and knowledge-sharing rather than competition for medals or rankings.

BRICS and Cultural Exchange

BRICS was established in 2009 as a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China; South Africa joined in 2010. The name derives from the initials of these five original members. The grouping has since expanded its membership and developed partner-country participation. Traditional and indigenous sports are physical practices associated with particular communities and cultural traditions. Demonstrations can include martial arts, wrestling, games and movement-based practices, as seen in the range presented at the Ahmedabad event.

Important Facts for Exams

• The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 were held in Ahmedabad on 12–13 October.
• The Veer Savarkar Sports Complex was the venue for the Games.
• The event was non-competitive and involved approximately 160 participants.
• Brazil demonstrated Capoeira, China presented Wushu, and Russia showcased Sambo.

The Games were organised under India’s BRICS Chairship by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Government of Gujarat. India presented Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu.