BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting concludes with Joint Declaration

The BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting 2026 concluded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with the adoption by consensus of the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of member states to strengthen cooperation in sport. The meeting was held under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, as reported by ANI, citing a PIB release, and The Hindu.

In his opening statement, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya called for building a BRICS Sporting Partnership that moves beyond declarations. "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," he said, as quoted by multiple outlets including ANI, The Tribune, and Lokmat Times.

Mandaviya, underlining India's transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasized the role of sport in nation-building. He highlighted a forthcoming scheme to promote Sports Goods Manufacturing Clusters, inviting global manufacturers to "Make in India, Play in India and Grow with India." He also committed to inclusivity through para-sport initiatives and greater women's participation.

Three key initiatives advanced

During India's chairmanship, three priority initiatives were advanced, according to reports from ANI and The Tribune. The BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave is scheduled for November 2026 in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and will bring together manufacturers, exporters, investors, and technology providers to exchange best practices and supply chain approaches. The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 will be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on October 12-13, as a non-competitive, culturally focused event. Additionally, a BRICS Working Group on Sports Technology was proposed, focusing on sports science, athlete performance, and digital transformation.

BRICS Friendship Cycling event

A key highlight was the BRICS Friendship Cycling event on August 23, as part of the 87th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, organized on the sidelines of the BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers' Meeting. Mandaviya and Minister of State Raksha Khadse led the ride, with participation from Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the UAE, Iran, and South Africa, as per ANI and The Tribune. The Hindu reported the route ran from Novotel Hotel to Sea Harrier Museum and back along Beach Road.

Speaking at the event, Mandaviya said the Fit India Movement envisioned by PM Modi is expanding, with youth cycling at more than 18,000 locations to spread the message of fitness. He highlighted benefits of cycling: exercise, reducing congestion, cutting pollution, saving fuel, and conserving foreign exchanges. He urged citizens to cycle every Sunday to build a developed India. The visiting dignitaries appreciated the scale and congratulated Mandaviya.

The Hindu reported that the initiative coincided with 'Sundays on Cycle' held in around 1,800 cities, with about 50 lakh young people participating. The event also included a separate event in New Delhi at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, as noted by The Tribune.

Perspectives

The Indian government, through Minister Mandaviya, championed the events as evidence of India's commitment to sport and fitness under PM Modi's leadership. A promotional tone pervades the coverage, with officials stressed the country's transformation and the success of the BRICS meetings. Meanwhile, the participating BRICS dignitaries are reported to have appreciated the initiative, but their own viewpoints were not specified in detail in the provided reporting.