The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 were held on October 12 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, Ahmedabad.Representatives from BRICS nations participated in these games to showcase traditional sports, celebrate cultural diversity, and strengthen international cooperation.
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the event in the presence of Gujarat’s Minister of State for Sports, Harsh Sanghavi. Addressing the participants, Mandaviya highlighted the efforts being made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem through grassroots participation, modern infrastructure, coaching, sports science, and athlete development.
Mandaviya proposed three areas for cooperation among BRICS nations: creating a voluntary repository of traditional and indigenous sports, facilitating exchanges among practitioners and researchers, and organising demonstrations at future BRICS sporting events. He also highlighted the ‘Fit India Movement’ and the ‘Sundays on Cycle’ campaign; according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, by May 2026, these campaigns had collectively reached over 3.07 lakh locations and engaged more than 50 lakh cyclists.
The 10 participating BRICS nations showcased their indigenous sporting traditions at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex:
- 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 and 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 and Shuffle Tsi
Alongside the demonstrations, cultural programs and audience-participation activities were organized, and the participating teams were honored at the conclusion. The event aimed to preserve knowledge of traditional sports, promote inclusive participation, and strengthen cultural ties and cooperation among the BRICS nations.
(PIB)
