BRICS Sports Ministers Adopt Joint Declaration in Visakhapatnam
India pushes for stronger sports cooperation through athlete exchanges, technology and joint initiatives
- BRICS Sports Ministers adopted the Joint Declaration by consensus.
- India proposed a BRICS Sporting Partnership focused on practical cooperation.
- Udaipur is proposed to host the first BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave.
- Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games are proposed in Ahmedabad.
GG News Bureau
Visakhapatnam, 23rd Aug: The BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting 2026 concluded in Visakhapatnam on Sunday with the adoption by consensus of the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of member countries to strengthen cooperation in sports.
The meeting was held under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 and brought together Sports Ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member countries to discuss priorities for sports development and cooperation.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya called for a BRICS Sporting Partnership that moves beyond declarations and creates practical platforms for cooperation.
“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,” Mandaviya said.
The Minister said India was transforming its sporting ecosystem under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by creating opportunities “from the playground to the podium”.
Three initiatives under India’s BRICS Chairship
India advanced three major initiatives during its BRICS Chairship.
The BRICS Working Group on Sports Technology will promote cooperation in sports science, athlete performance, governance, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and innovation.
The proposed BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave received broad support, with Udaipur, Rajasthan, proposed as the host city for its inaugural edition in November 2026. The conclave will focus on technology, innovation, quality standards, intra-BRICS trade and resilient supply chains.
The third initiative, BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026, is proposed to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on October 12-13. The event will showcase traditional sporting heritage and promote cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.
Focus on inclusive sports and manufacturing
Mandaviya highlighted India’s efforts to promote para-sports and create greater opportunities for women in sports.
He also said a proposed scheme for Sports Goods Manufacturing Clusters would facilitate investment and strengthen domestic manufacturing for global markets.
The Minister invited global manufacturers, technology companies and investors to “Make in India, Play in India and Grow with India”.
The meeting also welcomed the role of sports in youth development, inclusion, cultural exchange and international cooperation.
BRICS Friendship Cycling Event
Ahead of the ministerial meeting, participating Ministers and dignitaries joined the BRICS Friendship Cycling Event in Visakhapatnam as part of the 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle.
The event was led by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse, with participation from representatives of Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the UAE, Iran and South Africa.
The outcomes of the meeting contribute to India’s BRICS Chairship theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
