Union Minister of Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with the delegates from BRICS nations, takes part in a bicycle rally during the Sundays on Cycle initiative by Fit India Movement celebrating BRICS Friendship, on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. (Photo: K Murali Krishna)

The international sporting dialogue styled as the BRICS sports ministers’ meeting here concluded on Sunday with the adoption of the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration.

The consensus document commits member countries to strengthening cooperation in sports through dialogue, mutual respect and inclusiveness, marking a significant step under India’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2026.

The meeting brought together sports ministers and senior representatives from across the BRICS grouping to deliberate on sports development, technology, manufacturing, athlete exchanges and inclusion.

Union minister for youth affairs and sports Mansukh Mandaviya, in his opening remarks, called for the creation of a BRICS sporting partnership that would translate policy commitments into practical cooperation. He proposed greater collaboration through athlete and coach exchanges, joint competitions and sharing of sports science and technology.

Mandaviya also highlighted India’s efforts to expand opportunities for athletes from the grassroots to the international level and invited global manufacturers, technology companies, and investors to participate in India’s sports manufacturing ecosystem.

India’s proposed sports goods manufacturing clusters scheme was showcased as a key initiative to encourage investment and strengthen domestic manufacturing for global markets.

Three major initiatives were advanced during India’s stewardship. The BRICS working group on sports technology will focus on cooperation in sports science, athlete performance, governance, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and innovation, with India contributing experts in multiple disciplines.

The BRICS sports manufacturing conclave, proposed to be hosted in Udaipur in November 2026, received broad support. It will bring together manufacturers, exporters, investors, start‑ups and research institutions to discuss technology, quality standards, intra‑BRICS trade and resilient supply chains.

Another initiative, the BRICS traditional and indigenous sports demonstration games, is scheduled for October 12 and 13 in Ahmedabad. The non‑competitive event will allow countries to showcase traditional sports, promote cultural exchange and foster people‑to‑people contact.

Participation would be guided by cultural sensitivity and respect for customs and traditional knowledge associated with indigenous sports.

Ahead of the ministerial deliberations, ministers and delegates joined the BRICS friendship cycling event in Visakhapatnam, part of the 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. The event was led by Mandaviya and minister of state Raksha Khadse, with representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the UAE, Iran and South Africa in attendance.

Delegations underlined the role of sports in youth development, inclusion, cultural exchange and international cooperation. The outcomes of the meeting align with India’s broader BRICS Chairship theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with the joint declaration providing a framework for continued cooperation among member countries in sports.

Tags: