Mandaviya: Sport at the Heart of Nation-Building
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlights India's sporting vision at the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games in Ahmedabad.
In a vibrant display of cultural heritage and athletic prowess, the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 kicked off at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Addressing a diverse gathering of international dignitaries, athletes, and technical officials, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized that India is strategically positioning sports as a cornerstone of national development.
The event, which saw participation from 10 BRICS nations, served as more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the deep-rooted sporting legacies and people-to-people connections that bind the BRICS bloc together. The inauguration was held in the presence of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
A Vision for a Sporting Superpower
Minister Mandaviya highlighted the massive structural shifts occurring within the Indian sporting landscape. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving beyond mere participation to creating a holistic ecosystem designed to take athletes from the "playground to the podium."
Key pillars of India's sporting transformation include:
- Grassroots participation and talent identification.
- Advanced coaching and sports science integration.
- Robust infrastructure development.
- Comprehensive athlete welfare and international exposure.
To fuel this ambitious roadmap, the Minister revealed that nearly $3.76 billion USD has been committed through the Khelo India initiative, ensuring a sustainable future for the nation's sporting talent.
Three Pillars of BRICS Cooperation
Recognizing the unique value of indigenous sports, Mandaviya proposed a collaborative framework to ensure these ancient traditions are not lost to time. He suggested three practical areas where BRICS nations can work together:
- A BRICS Repository: Creating a voluntary digital archive to document the history, rules, equipment, and cultural significance of traditional sports.
- Knowledge Exchange: Encouraging the movement of coaches, researchers, practitioners, and cultural experts across member nations.
- Periodic Demonstrations: Integrating traditional and indigenous sports into future BRICS sporting events to maintain global visibility.
From Tradition to Lifestyle: The Fit India Movement
The Minister also touched upon the Fit India Movement, which aims to weave physical fitness into the daily fabric of Indian life. He cited the remarkable success of the 'Sundays on Cycle' campaign, noting that over 5 million people have participated across more than 3 lakh locations through 94 editions of the program.
A Global Showcase of Indigenous Might
The Veer Savarkar Sports Complex transformed into a global stage as participating nations demonstrated their unique sporting identities. The diverse array of activities included:
- India: Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu.
- Brazil: Capoeira, Brazilian Para-Jiu-jitsu, and Zarabatana (Indigenous Blowpipe).
- China: Wushu, Lion Dance, and Health Qigong.
- Iran: Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang, and Ghanieh.
- Russia: Gorodki and Sambo.
- Bolivia: Lucha de Cholitas, Tinku, Rayuela, Trompo, Cachinas, and Carrera de Sacos.
- Kazakhstan: Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak, and Qazaq Kuresi.
- South Africa: Kgati and Iintonga.
- Belarus: Gorodki.
- United Arab Emirates: Al Tabbah.
The day concluded with cultural presentations and the felicitation of the participating teams, marking a significant step forward in using traditional sports as a bridge for international diplomacy and cultural understanding.