Ahmedabad, 13 October (H.S.): India’s yogasana performance impressed delegations from participating countries, including China and South Africa, at the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Sports 2026 event. The one-day event, held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, brought together around 160 participants from 10 countries, showcasing a remarkable blend of traditional sports, cultural heritage and athletic skills.

Among the highlights were China’s energetic Wushu demonstrations, India’s breathtaking Mallakhamb acrobatics, Kazakhstan’s Toguz Kumalak, a game requiring patience and concentration, and Brazil’s focused demonstrations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. However, amid the diverse sporting traditions on display, yogasana emerged as a major attraction, capturing the attention of delegates from across the participating nations.

India showcased yogasana alongside Mallakhamb and Kalaripayattu. Ahmedabad, which is scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, also hosted the inaugural World Yogasana Championship in June this year. The international competition attracted 522 athletes from 79 countries, with notable participation from African nations.

Speaking to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) media team, South African delegation leader Philasande Mkwili said yoga was among the activities people in South Africa used to refresh their minds and bodies, reduce stress, and improve mobility and flexibility.

“Yoga is one of the activities people use in South Africa to refresh themselves, reduce stress, and improve their body movements and flexibility. We embrace it and enjoy it. It requires considerable physical effort. Nevertheless, those who enjoy yoga in South Africa practise it every day,” Mkwili said.

China’s delegation leader, Yi Liu, also expressed enthusiasm about yogasana and the opportunity to learn more about the discipline.

“Today, we saw and learned a great deal about yoga. During practice yesterday, we also watched young children performing some amazing movements. We would like to learn much more about it,” Liu said.

On Monday, nearly 3,000 spectators at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex erupted in excitement as young Indian athletes delivered a dynamic Mallakhamb performance. Earlier, the Indian contingent had presented an impressive, synchronised yogasana display.

At the World Yogasana Championship held in June, India won 114 medals, including 102 gold medals, underlining its strong performance at the competition. Athletes from 31 countries won at least one medal, while 10 nations secured at least one gold medal. The results also highlighted the growing popularity and international reach of yogasana as a competitive sport.

Sports Promote Friendship and Cultural Exchange

Beyond the sporting demonstrations, the BRICS event provided an opportunity for athletes from different countries to interact, exchange knowledge and strengthen cultural ties. Participants took photographs together and shared insights into their respective sporting disciplines.

In one such interaction, a Chinese Wushu athlete moved away from the main stage to teach some techniques to Wushu players from the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Narayanpura, demonstrating how the event encouraged learning beyond formal performances.

Liu praised the hospitality extended to the Chinese delegation during its stay in India.

“I spoke to all the members of my delegation, and everyone said they had never experienced such a warm welcome in India before. We arrived at the airport around midnight, and a dance troupe was there to welcome us, which was very impressive,” Liu said.

“The breakfast, lunch and dinner were excellent, offering both local and international flavours. We also tried dosa, which was a very interesting experience for us. Everyone enjoyed their stay in India, and this trip will remain one of the most memorable journeys of their lives,” he added.

Zlata Yakovleva, head of the Russian delegation, also praised the event and the arrangements made by the Indian hosts.

“Thank you to everyone who invited us to participate in such a wonderful event. The experience was incredible, and the hospitality extended by the Indian side was outstanding. We thoroughly enjoyed the hotel, the event venues and the arrangements,” Yakovleva said.

“For me, the most special and favourite aspect was the friendship among BRICS countries. We really enjoy participating in such events together,” she added.

Traditional Sports from 10 Countries on Display

India fielded the largest contingent, with 50 members, at the inaugural BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Sports event. China sent 30 participants, Iran 22 and South Africa 14. In total, approximately 160 participants from 10 countries demonstrated their traditional sporting disciplines.

The participating countries presented a diverse range of cultural and sporting traditions. Belarus showcased Gorodki, while Bolivia presented Lucha de Cholitas and Tinku. Brazil demonstrated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira, and China featured lion dance, Wushu and health Qigong.

Iran presented Zurkhaneh, Haft Sang and Ghaniyeh, while Kazakhstan showcased Assyk Atu, Toguz Kumalak and Kazakh Kuresi. Russia demonstrated Sambo and Gorodki, South Africa presented Kgati and Intonga, and the United Arab Emirates showcased Al Tabbah.

India represented its sporting heritage through Mallakhamb, yogasana and Kalaripayattu.

The event highlighted the cultural diversity of participating nations and demonstrated how traditional sports can serve as a platform for international friendship, mutual learning and cooperation. By bringing athletes together through their shared passion for sport, the showcase strengthened cultural understanding and reinforced the role of sporting exchanges in building closer ties among BRICS countries.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar