The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, will organize the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 at Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, on 12 October 2026 under India's BRICS Chairship. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the event, accompanied by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Union Minister of State Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, and Gujarat Sports Minister Dr. Jayram Gamit.
The non-competitive Games will feature delegations from BRICS member and partner countries showcasing traditional sporting practices with focus on cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and people-to-people cooperation. Twelve participating countries will demonstrate over 30 traditional sports: Belarus (Gorodki), Bolivia (Lucha de Cholitas, Tinku, Rayuela, Trompo, Cachinas, Carrera de Sacos), Brazil (Zarabatana, Corrida de Toras, Brazilian Para-Jiu-jitsu, Capoeira), China (Wushu, Lion Dance, Health Qigong), Ethiopia (Ethiopian Wrestling/Tegel, Ethiopian Gena, Selus Gebeta/18-12/Bube/Shahe), India (Mallakhamb, Yogasana, Kalaripayattu), Iran (Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang, Ghanieh), Kazakhstan (Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak, Qazaq Kuresi), Russia (Gorodki, Sambo), South Africa (Kgati, Iintonga), and United Arab Emirates (Al Tabbah).
Bilateral meetings with visiting delegations are planned to explore opportunities for strengthening sports cooperation and promoting traditional games within the BRICS framework. The event serves as a platform for celebrating sporting heritage while fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange among BRICS nations.