Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday proposed creating a voluntary BRICS Repository of Traditional and Indigenous Sports to document their history, cultural significance, rules, and equipment, at the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The event, held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, brought together representatives of 10 BRICS nations to celebrate sporting heritage and cultural diversity.
Mandaviya also proposed exchanges among practitioners, coaches, researchers, educational institutions and cultural experts across BRICS countries, along with periodic demonstrations of traditional and indigenous sports at future BRICS sporting events. Highlighting India’s commitment to building a sporting nation, he said the government had committed nearly USD 3.76 billion as part of the Khelo India initiative to support the transformation of the country’s sporting ecosystem, according to a press release by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Sport at the Centre of Nation-Building
Declaring the Games open in the presence of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Mandaviya said India was placing sport at the centre of nation-building by investing in future-ready infrastructure and expanding opportunities for athletes.
“India is placing sport at the centre of nation-building. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is transforming its sporting ecosystem by creating opportunities from the playground to the podium,” he said.
He highlighted India’s comprehensive approach to sports development, covering grassroots participation, talent identification, coaching, sports science, infrastructure, athlete welfare and international exposure.
Fit India Movement Promotes Fitness as a Way of Life
Mandaviya also highlighted the Fit India Movement, which promotes fitness as a way of life. He said the Sundays on Cycle campaign had attracted more than five million participants across over three lakh locations every Sunday.
According to the Minister, 94 editions of the campaign had been conducted across India, reflecting growing public participation in fitness activities.
Ten BRICS Nations Showcase Indigenous Sports
The participating countries showcased a range of traditional and indigenous sporting practices at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex.
Belarus presented Gorodki, while Bolivia showcased Lucha de Cholitas, Tinku, Rayuela, Trompo, Cachinas and Carrera de Sacos. Brazil demonstrated Zarabatana (Indigenous Blowpipe), Corrida de Toras (Log Race), Brazilian Para-Jiu-jitsu and Capoeira. China presented Wushu, Lion Dance and Health Qigong, while India showcased Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu.
Iran presented Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang and Ghanieh, while Kazakhstan showcased Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak and Qazaq Kuresi. Russia presented Gorodki and Sambo, South Africa demonstrated Kgati and Iintonga, and the United Arab Emirates showcased Al Tabbah.
Strengthening Cultural Ties Through Sport
The sporting demonstrations were complemented by cultural presentations and audience-engagement activities. Participating teams were felicitated at the conclusion of the programme.
The Games provided a common platform for BRICS nations to share the history, values and cultural significance of their traditional sports, while promoting the preservation of community knowledge, inclusive participation and cooperation among member countries.
-PIB Inputs
