India’s Yogasana Leaves China, South Africa in Awe at BRICS Games
India's yogasana and mallakhamb captivated nations like China and South Africa at the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad turned into a global hub of cultural and physical excellence as the inaugural BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 showcased the profound impact of Indian traditions on the world stage. Among the diverse array of intense combat and rhythmic displays, it was the grace and discipline of yogasana that left participating nations like China and South Africa in complete awe.
A Spectrum of Global Traditions
The event at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex provided a mesmerizing contrast of human movement. While China delivered a fiery wushu demonstration and India electrified the crowd with high-intensity mallakhamb, other nations brought a sense of calm and precision. Kazakhstan showcased the steady poise of togyzkumalak, while Brazil presented a meditative display of Jiu-Jitsu.
However, the unifying thread that resonated across every delegation was the universal appeal of yoga. For India, the host nation, yogasana remains a cornerstone of its sporting and cultural identity, alongside traditional arts like kalaripayattu.
The Global Rise of Yogasana
The fascination with yogasana is not new, but its growing status as a competitive discipline is evident. Following the first-ever world yogasana championships held in Ahmedabad this June—which saw 79 nations and 522 athletes compete—the sport has shown immense global momentum. During that championship, India demonstrated absolute dominance, securing 114 medals, including 102 golds.
The impact of the practice is deeply felt in nations like South Africa. Philasande Macwili, the Chef-De-Mission for South Africa, noted that yoga is a vital tool for the African continent to detox, relieve stress, and improve flexibility. "We embrace it, and we love it," Macwili shared, noting that even with the physical demands, South Africans practice it daily.
Cultural Exchange and Warm Hospitality
Beyond the competitive spirit, the games fostered deep camaraderie. From Chinese wushu athletes sharing technical intricacies with Indian athletes to spontaneous selfie exchanges, the event was a celebration of friendship.
The Chinese delegation expressed profound gratitude for the Indian hospitality. Yi Liu, Chef-De-Mission for China, remarked that the warmth of the reception—from the airport welcome to the local culinary delights like dosa—made the trip unforgettable. "Today we looked and learned so much about Yoga... We want to learn so much more about it," Liu added.
Russia's delegation echoed these sentiments, with Zlata Yakovleva, Head of Delegation, highlighting the incredible friendship emerging among the BRICS nations through such sporting events.
Event Highlights and Participation
The first-ever BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games brought together 10 nations and nearly 160 participants. India led the way with the largest contingent of 50 participants, followed by China with 30, Iran with 22, and South Africa with 14.
The diverse sports featured in the demonstration included:
- Belarus: Gorodki
- Bolivia: Lucha de Cholitas and Tinku
- Brazil: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira
- China: Lion Dance, Wushu, and Health Qigong
- India: Mallakhamb and Yogasana