BRICS Sports Ministers Adopt Joint Declaration at Visakhapatnam Meeting

Key Highlights:

• BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting 2026 concluded in Visakhapatnam with the adoption of the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration.
• The declaration reaffirms commitment to strengthen sports cooperation among member states through dialogue and inclusiveness.
• India, under its 2026 BRICS Chairship, advanced three key initiatives for sports cooperation.
• These initiatives include a BRICS Working Group on Sports Technology, a BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave, and BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026.
• The BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave is proposed for Udaipur in November 2026, and the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games for Ahmedabad in October 2026.
• A BRICS Friendship Cycling Event was held as part of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Visakhapatnam.

Detailed Insights:

• The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports called for building a BRICS Sporting Partnership for tangible collaborations like athlete exchanges and sports science sharing.
• India highlighted its efforts to transform its sporting ecosystem and promote sports goods manufacturing under "Make in India, Play in India."
• The BRICS Working Group on Sports Technology will focus on sports science, AI, digital transformation, and governance.
• The BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave aims to foster exchange of best practices, technology, and trade in sports goods.
• The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games will showcase diverse sporting heritage and promote cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.
• The BRICS Friendship Cycling Event underscored the shared commitment to promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles, and connections through sport.
• The meeting's outcomes align with India's 2026 BRICS Chairship theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

Key Concepts Involved:

• BRICS: An acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• Fit India Movement: A nationwide movement launched by the Government of India to encourage people to adopt a healthy and fit lifestyle.