India hosted the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 on October 12 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The event brought together delegations from ten BRICS nations—Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates—to showcase their indigenous sporting traditions and cultural heritage. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the games in the presence of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
Key facts
- Event held on October 12, 2026 at Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Naranpura, Ahmedabad
- Ten BRICS nations participated in demonstrations of traditional and indigenous sports
- India has committed 3.76 billion US dollars under the Khelo India initiative for sports infrastructure and development
- The FIT India Movement’s ‘Sundays on Cycle’ campaign has conducted 94 editions with over 5 million participants across 3 lakh locations every Sunday
- Ten traditional sports demonstrated: Gorodki (Belarus), Lucha de Cholitas and Tinku (Bolivia), Capoeira (Brazil), Wushu (China), Mallakhamb (India), Zoorkhaneh (Iran), Qazaq Kuresi (Kazakhstan), Sambo (Russia), Kgati (South Africa), and Al Tabbah (UAE)
What India is doing in sports
Dr. Mandaviya outlined how India is integrating sport into nation-building through a comprehensive approach. This strategy covers grassroots participation, talent identification, coaching, sports science, infrastructure development, athlete welfare and international exposure. The government is working to create a sustainable sporting ecosystem that extends from community participation to elite podium performance.
Beyond traditional competitive sports, India is promoting fitness through the FIT India Movement, which aims to make physical activity a regular habit among citizens. The ‘Sundays on Cycle’ campaign, a flagship initiative under this movement, encourages cycling as a form of both fitness and recreation every Sunday across the country.
India’s proposal for BRICS cooperation on traditional sports
Dr. Mandaviya proposed three concrete areas of cooperation among BRICS nations to preserve and promote traditional and indigenous sports. First, he called for creating a voluntary BRICS Repository of Traditional and Indigenous Sports. This repository would document the history, cultural significance, rules, equipment and field-of-play requirements of each sport, ensuring these traditions are formally recorded and accessible.
Second, he recommended encouraging exchanges of practitioners, coaches, researchers, educational institutions and cultural experts across BRICS countries. Such exchanges would allow knowledge transfer and deeper understanding of how these sports are practiced, taught and valued in different cultures.
Third, Dr. Mandaviya suggested exploring periodic demonstrations of traditional and indigenous sports at future BRICS sporting events. This would give these games regular visibility and create opportunities for athletes and practitioners to showcase their skills on international platforms.
Traditional sports demonstrated
The event featured a diverse range of indigenous sporting traditions. Bolivia presented Lucha de Cholitas, Tinku, Rayuela, Trompo, Cachinas and Carrera de Sacos. Brazil showcased Zarabatana, Corrida de Toras, Brazilian Para-Jiu-jitsu and Capoeira. China demonstrated Wushu, Lion Dance and Health Qigong. India presented Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu. Kazakhstan demonstrated Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak and Qazaq Kuresi. Russia featured Gorodki and Sambo. South Africa presented Kgati and Iintonga. Iran showcased Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang and Ghanieh. Belarus and UAE contributed Gorodki and Al Tabbah respectively. Each demonstration included the history, values and cultural context behind the sport.
What this means for you
Indian citizens and athletes benefit from the government’s expanded focus on sports infrastructure and participation. Through schemes like Khelo India and FIT India Movement, more opportunities are being created for grassroots sports participation and talent development. The BRICS cooperation framework may also open avenues for Indian traditional sport practitioners to exchange knowledge internationally and gain recognition for indigenous sports like Mallakhamb and Kalaripayattu on global platforms.