Visakhapatnam: The BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting 2026 concluded in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam with the member states unanimously adopting the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in sports through dialogue, mutual respect and inclusiveness.
Held under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, the meeting brought together sports ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member countries to discuss priorities for sports development and deeper international cooperation.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya called for the creation of a stronger BRICS Sporting Partnership that moves beyond declarations and delivers practical collaborations, including athlete and coach exchanges, joint competitions and sports science knowledge sharing.
India Pushes for Greater Sports Cooperation
Mandaviya highlighted the role of sports in nation-building and said India is working to transform its sporting ecosystem and create opportunities from the grassroots level to international podiums.
He also highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen sports goods manufacturing. The proposed scheme for the promotion of Sports Goods Manufacturing Clusters is expected to encourage investment and boost domestic manufacturing for global markets.
India also emphasised greater inclusion in sports through initiatives promoting para-sports and expanding opportunities for women athletes.
Three Key Initiatives Under India’s BRICS Chairship
During its BRICS Chairship, India has advanced three major initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation among member states.
The BRICS Sports Working Group will focus on sports science, athlete performance, governance, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and innovation, with India contributing experts across various sporting fields.
The proposed BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave received broad support from member countries. Udaipur in Rajasthan has been proposed as the host city for its first edition in November 2026. The conclave will focus on technology, innovation, quality standards, intra-BRICS trade and resilient supply chains, while bringing together manufacturers, exporters, investors, technology companies, start-ups and researchers.
The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games are proposed to be held in Ahmedabad on October 12–13. The initiative aims to showcase and preserve the traditional and indigenous sporting heritage of BRICS countries while promoting cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.
The demonstration games will be non-competitive and culturally focused, with participation guided by cultural sensitivity, mutual respect and recognition of traditional knowledge systems.
BRICS Friendship Cycling Event Held in Visakhapatnam
Ahead of the formal meeting, participating ministers and dignitaries took part in the BRICS Friendship Cycling Event in Visakhapatnam as part of the 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle.
The event was led by Mandaviya and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, with participation from ministers representing Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the UAE, Iran and South Africa.
The cycling event highlighted the shared commitment of BRICS nations to fitness, healthy lifestyles and stronger people-to-people connections through sport.
The participating delegations reaffirmed that sports can play an important role in youth development, social inclusion, cultural exchange and international cooperation.
Mandaviya thanked all participating countries for their continued commitment to sports cooperation under the BRICS framework and expressed confidence that the initiatives launched during India’s chairship would lead to sustained and meaningful sporting partnerships.
The outcomes of the meeting further contribute to India’s BRICS Chairship theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
