BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Games 2026 to Hit Ahmedabad
India will host the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 in Ahmedabad to promote cultural heritage and cooperation.
In a major boost to India's sporting and diplomatic landscape, the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 are set to take place in Ahmedabad. Under India's BRICS Chairship, the event will serve as a vibrant showcase of cultural heritage and international cooperation through the lens of traditional sports.
A Grand Showcase of Cultural Heritage
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, working in close collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, has announced that the games will be held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex on October 12, 2026. The event is designed as a unique, non-competitive platform aimed at the demonstration, documentation, and exchange of traditional sporting practices from across the globe.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, will officially inaugurate the proceedings. The high-profile ceremony will also be attended by several dignitaries, including:
- Harsh Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat
- Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports
- Jayram Gamit, Minister of State for Sports, Gujarat
Global Delegations to Showcase Diverse Traditions
The games will bring together delegations from various BRICS member and partner nations, each presenting sports that are deeply rooted in their local history and culture. This exchange aims to foster mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties through the shared language of sport.
Participating Sports and Countries
The diverse lineup of sporting practices includes:
- India: Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu
- Brazil: Zarabatana (Indigenous Blowpipe), Corrida de Toras (Log Race), Brazilian Para-Jiu-jitsu, and Capoeira
- China: Wushu, Lion Dance, and Health Qigong
- Iran: Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang, and Ghanieh
- Russia: Gorodki and Sambo
- South Africa: Kgati and Iintonga
- Belarus: Gorodki
- Bolivia: Lucha de Cholitas, Tinku, Rayuela, Trompo, Cachinas, and Carrera de Sacos
- Ethiopia: Ethiopian Wrestling (Tegel), Ethiopian Gena (Field Hockey), and Selus Gebeta/18-12/Bube/Shahe
- Kazakhstan: Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak, and Qazaq Kuresh
- United Arab Emirates: Al Tabbah
Strengthening International Cooperation
Beyond the demonstrations, the event will include bilateral meetings between visiting delegations. These discussions are intended to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the sports sector and to find ways to promote traditional and indigenous games within the broader BRICS framework.
By focusing on knowledge-sharing and practitioner interaction, the 2026 games are expected to preserve the rich sporting legacies of participating nations while building stronger diplomatic bridges through athletic celebration.