The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 open on Monday at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, bringing delegations from BRICS member and partner countries together under India's BRICS Chairship.
Inauguration and dignitaries
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the event. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Gujarat's Minister of State for Sports Jayram Gamit are among the dignitaries expected at the opening, according to the Sports Ministry.
The Games are being organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat as a non-competitive platform devoted to the demonstration, documentation and exchange of traditional sporting practices — emphasising cultural significance, interaction among practitioners and knowledge-sharing over medals.
A showcase of sporting heritage
India will showcase Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu. China brings Wushu, lion dance and health qigong, while Brazil presents capoeira, the log race and indigenous blowpipe skills. Russia's contingent features Gorodki and Sambo; Kazakhstan offers Qazaq Kuresi, Asyk Atu and Togyzkumalak; and Iran demonstrates Zoorkhaneh.
Ethiopia, South Africa, Belarus, Bolivia and the United Arab Emirates complete the line-up, with disciplines ranging from Ethiopian wrestling and South Africa's Kgati and Iintonga to Bolivia's Lucha de Cholitas and the UAE's Al Tabbah.
Bilateral meetings with visiting delegations are planned on the sidelines to explore deeper sports cooperation within the BRICS framework — positioning the Games as a celebration of shared sporting heritage and a tool for cultural diplomacy.
Sources:
- The Tribune: BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 to be held in Ahmedabad
Inauguration and dignitaries
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the event. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Gujarat's Minister of State for Sports Jayram Gamit are among the dignitaries expected at the opening, according to the Sports Ministry.
The Games are being organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat as a non-competitive platform devoted to the demonstration, documentation and exchange of traditional sporting practices — emphasising cultural significance, interaction among practitioners and knowledge-sharing over medals.
A showcase of sporting heritage
India will showcase Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu. China brings Wushu, lion dance and health qigong, while Brazil presents capoeira, the log race and indigenous blowpipe skills. Russia's contingent features Gorodki and Sambo; Kazakhstan offers Qazaq Kuresi, Asyk Atu and Togyzkumalak; and Iran demonstrates Zoorkhaneh.
Ethiopia, South Africa, Belarus, Bolivia and the United Arab Emirates complete the line-up, with disciplines ranging from Ethiopian wrestling and South Africa's Kgati and Iintonga to Bolivia's Lucha de Cholitas and the UAE's Al Tabbah.
Bilateral meetings with visiting delegations are planned on the sidelines to explore deeper sports cooperation within the BRICS framework — positioning the Games as a celebration of shared sporting heritage and a tool for cultural diplomacy.
Sources:
- The Tribune: BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 to be held in Ahmedabad
