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India will host demonstrations showcasing indigenous sporting traditions, cultural heritage and international cooperation under its BRICS Chairship.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Gujarat government, will organise the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad on October 12, under India’s BRICS Chairship.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the event in the presence of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, and Gujarat Minister of State for Sports Jayram Gamit.
The event will bring together delegations from BRICS member and partner countries to showcase traditional and indigenous sporting practices, promote cultural exchange and preserve sporting heritage. It aims to strengthen people to-people ties through sport and provide a platform for participating countries to share their cultural traditions.
Designed as a non-competitive event, the Games will focus on demonstrations, documentation and the exchange of traditional sporting practices. The programme will also emphasise the cultural significance of indigenous games, interaction among practitioners and the sharing of knowledge across participating countries.
The participating countries are expected to present a diverse range of traditional sports and cultural practices. India will showcase Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu, while China will present Wushu, Lion Dance and Health Qigong. Russia and Belarus will demonstrate Gorodki, while Russia will also showcase Sambo. Brazil’s presentations will include the indigenous blowpipe sport Zarabatana, Corrida de Toras or log racing, Brazilian Para-Jiu-jitsu and Capoeira. Bolivia will showcase Lucha de Cholitas, Tinku, Rayuela, Trompo, Cachinas and Carrera de Sacos.
Ethiopia will present traditional wrestling, known as Tegel, Ethiopian Gena or field hockey, and other traditional games. Iran will showcase Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang and Ghanieh, while Kazakhstan will present Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak and Qazaq Kuresi.
South Africa will demonstrate Kgati and Iintonga, while the United Arab Emirates will showcase Al Tabbah. Bilateral meetings with visiting delegations are also planned on the sidelines of the event to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation in sports and promoting traditional and indigenous games within the BRICS framework.