Ahmedabad: India’s traditional sporting heritage drew appreciation from international delegations, particularly China and South Africa, at the first-ever BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad on Monday, October 12.
The one-day event brought together nearly 160 participants from 10 nations to showcase traditional and indigenous sporting disciplines, including China’s wushu, India’s mallakhamb, Kazakhstan’s togyzkumalak and Brazil’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Yogasana was among the disciplines demonstrated by host India, alongside mallakhamb and kalaripayattu. The rhythmic yogasana performance received appreciation from international representatives, highlighting growing interest in India’s traditional physical practices.
“Yoga is one of the activities in South Africa that people use to detox, relieve stress and improve movement and flexibility. We embrace it, and we love it,” Philasande Macwili, chef de mission of South Africa, told SAI Media.
“It demands a lot from your body. Still, those South Africans who enjoy it practise it every day,” Macwili added.
Mallakhamb Performance Draws Cheers From Spectators
The 3,000-strong crowd at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex erupted in unison during a high-intensity mallakhamb demonstration by India’s young contingent. The performance followed a well-choreographed rhythmic yogasana display.
India had also demonstrated its strength in yogasana at the World Yogasana Championships held in Ahmedabad in June 2026, winning 114 medals, including 102 golds.
The championships saw participation from 522 athletes representing 79 nations. A total of 31 countries won at least one medal, while 10 secured at least one gold. The African continent was also well represented at the competition.
“Today we looked and learned so much about yoga. Even yesterday during practice, we saw young children practising the amazing movements. We want to learn so much more about it,” said Yi Liu, chef de mission of China.
BRICS Games Promote Exchange of Traditional Sports
The demonstration games also provided an opportunity for athletes from participating countries to exchange knowledge and learn about one another’s traditional sporting disciplines.
In one instance, a Chinese wushu athlete was seen explaining the techniques and intricacies of the discipline to athletes from the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Narayanpura.
Beyond the sporting demonstrations, representatives from participating delegations praised India’s hospitality and the arrangements made for the event.
Liu said members of the Chinese delegation had been particularly impressed by the welcome they received upon arriving in India.
“I checked with all the members of our delegation. They all said they have never felt more warmly received than they have here in India. Even at the airport where we arrived at midnight, there was a dance group welcoming us, which was very impressive. The breakfast, lunch and dinner were excellent, with local and international flavours. We tried dosa, which was very interesting. Everyone enjoyed their stay in India, and this trip is very memorable in their lives,” Liu said.
Russia Praises Indian Hospitality and Spirit of Friendship
Russia also praised the arrangements and the spirit of friendship among participating nations.
“Thanks to everybody for inviting us to such a great event,” said Zlata Yakovleva, head of delegation of Russia, speaking to SAI Media.
“It was unbelievable. The hospitality of the Indian side is awesome. We really enjoyed the hotel, all the venues of the event and how everything looked. I guess the biggest and most favourite part for me is the friendship among the BRICS countries. We really enjoy participating together in such events,” she added.
India fielded the largest contingent, with 50 participants, followed by China with 30, Iran with 22 and South Africa with 14.
The participating nations showcased a diverse range of indigenous sports. Belarus demonstrated Gorodki; Bolivia presented Lucha de Cholitas and Tinku; Brazil showcased Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira; China presented lion dance, wushu and health qigong; and Iran demonstrated Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang and Ghanieh.
Kazakhstan showcased Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak and Qazaq Kuresi, while Russia presented Sambo and Gorodki. South Africa demonstrated Kgati and Iintonga, and the United Arab Emirates showcased Altabbah. India presented mallakhamb, yogasana and kalaripayattu.
Ahmedabad, which will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, provided a platform for participating nations to showcase their traditional sporting heritage while promoting cultural exchange, mutual understanding and friendship through sport.