SportsPosted at: Oct 13 2026 4:30PM


BRICS Traditional Games wrap up with focus on indigenous sports

New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) The inaugural BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games concluded in Ahmedabad on Monday, with close to 160 participants from the 10 member nations showcasing their native sports in the one-day event. India featured prominently with demonstrations of yogasana, mallakhamb and kalaripayattu.
The event also featured a wushu demonstration by China, the traditional board game togyzkumalak from Kazakhstan and a meditative Jiu-Jitsu display by Brazil.
India’s high-intensity mallakhamb performance and rhythmic yogasana demonstration drew attention, highlighting the country’s traditional sporting practices. At the Yogasana World Championships in June, India won 114 medals, including 102 gold, in a competition featuring 79 countries and more than 500 participants.
The demonstrations also offered an opportunity for participating nations to learn about each other's sporting and cultural traditions.
“Yoga is one of the activities in South Africa that people use to detox, relieve stress and improve movement and flexibility. We embrace it, and we love it," Philasande Macwili, chef-de-mission of South Africa, told the Sports Authority of India Media.
China’s chef-de-mission Yi Liu said the delegation was keen to learn more about yoga after watching the demonstrations and practice sessions.
“Today we looked and learned so much about Yoga. Even yesterday during practice, we saw young children practising amazing movements. We want to learn so much more about it,” Liu said.
He also praised the hospitality extended to the delegations during their stay in India.
“I checked with all the members of our delegation. They all said they have never felt more warmly received than they have here in India. Everyone enjoyed their stay in India, and this trip is very memorable in their lives,” Liu said.
Russia shared similar sentiments, with Zlata Yakovleva, head of delegation, highlighting the hospitality and camaraderie among the participating nations.
“It was unbelievable. The hospitality of the Indian side is awesome. We really enjoyed the hotel, all the venues of the event and how everything looked. I guess the biggest and most favourite part for me is the friendship among the BRICS countries. We really enjoy participating together in such events,” Yakovleva said.
India fielded the largest contingent at the Games with 50 participants, followed by China, Iran and South Africa.
Ahmedabad, the host city of the inaugural edition, is also preparing to stage the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is in the race to host the 2036 Olympic Games.UNI TB AAB
Tags: #BRICS Traditional Games wrap up with focus on indigenous sports
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