The BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting 2026 concluded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with the participating countries unanimously adopting the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in sports through dialogue, mutual respect and inclusiveness.
The meeting was held under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 and brought together sports ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member countries to deliberate on key priorities for sports development and international cooperation.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in his opening remarks, called for a stronger BRICS sporting partnership focused on translating shared commitments into practical and sustainable initiatives.
“We should build a BRICS Sporting Partnership that moves beyond declarations and creates real platforms for sports collaborations, whether it is athlete and coach exchanges, joint competitions or sports science knowledge sharing,” Dr. Mandaviya said.
Highlighting the importance of sports in nation-building, the Union Minister said India is transforming its sporting ecosystem under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by creating opportunities for athletes from the grassroots level to the international podium.
Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen the sports manufacturing sector. He said the proposed scheme for promoting Sports Goods Manufacturing Clusters would encourage investment, strengthen domestic manufacturing and help Indian products reach global markets.
Inviting international businesses to participate in India’s growing sports economy, he said, “We invite global manufacturers, technology companies and investors to Make in India, Play in India and Grow with India.”
The Minister further underlined India’s efforts to make sports more inclusive, particularly through the promotion of para-sports and initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women in sports.
Three Key Initiatives:
During India’s BRICS Chairship, three major initiatives have been advanced to deepen cooperation among member countries.
BRICS Working Group on Sports Technology:
The proposed working group will promote collaboration in sports science, athlete performance, sports governance, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and innovation. India will contribute expertise across various sporting disciplines.
BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave:
India’s proposal to establish a BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave received broad support. Udaipur, Rajasthan, has been proposed as the host city for the inaugural edition in November 2026.
The conclave will facilitate the exchange of best practices, technology and innovation, while promoting quality standards, intra-BRICS trade and resilient supply chains. It will bring together manufacturers, exporters, investors, technology providers, start-ups, small and medium enterprises and research institutions.
BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026:
The Games have been proposed for Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on October 12 and 13, 2026. The initiative will provide BRICS countries with an opportunity to showcase and preserve their traditional and indigenous sporting heritage.
Designed as a non-competitive and culturally focused event, the Games will promote cultural exchange, people-to-people connections and mutual understanding. Participation will be guided by principles of cultural sensitivity and mutual respect, recognising the traditions, customs and indigenous knowledge associated with each sport.
The event highlighted the shared commitment of BRICS nations to promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and stronger people-to-people ties through sport.
The participating delegations reaffirmed the importance of sports in youth development, social inclusion, cultural exchange and international cooperation. They also welcomed the progress made during India’s BRICS Chairship.
Dr. Mandaviya expressed appreciation to all participating countries for their continued commitment to strengthening sports cooperation within the BRICS framework. He expressed confidence that the initiatives agreed upon during India’s chairship would lead to meaningful and sustained collaboration among member states.
The outcomes of the meeting further advance India’s BRICS Chairship theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
