BRICS Games 2026: India’s Yogasana Wins Praise From China, South Africa

Ahmedabad, October 13: The one-day BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 in Ahmedabad brought participating nations together in a celebration that went beyond performances and sporting skills. While China showcased fiery wushu and India delivered a jaw-dropping mallakhamb display, Kazakhstan presented the calm discipline of togyzkumalak and Brazil offered a meditative Jiu-Jitsu demonstration.

One common thread connecting the participating nations was their appreciation for yogasana. Alongside mallakhamb and kalaripayattu, yogasana featured as a demonstration sport for hosts India.

Ahmedabad, which will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, also staged the first-ever World Yogasana Championships in June this year, with 79 nations and 522 athletes participating. The African continent was well represented at the global event.

### South Africa embraces India's yogasana tradition

"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."

The 3,000-strong crowd at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex erupted in unison on Monday during a high-intensity mallakhamb display by India's young contingent. The performance followed a well-choreographed demonstration of rhythmic yogasana by the Indian team.

India's performance at the World Yogasana Championships in June had already underlined the country's strength in the sport. Its tally of 114 medals, including 102 golds, showcased its dominance. A total of 31 nations won at least one medal, while 10 countries secured at least one gold, highlighting yogasana's growing international reach.

China keen to learn more about Indian yogasana

"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," added Yi Liu, Chef-De-Mission of China.

Beyond the demonstrations, the event fostered camaraderie among participating nations, with athletes exchanging selfies and sharing their sporting knowledge. In one such moment, a Chinese wushu athlete was seen teaching the intricacies of the sport to athletes from the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence in Narayanpura, away from the main stage.

BRICS Games showcase India's hospitality and cultural exchange

Speaking about the reception and her delegation's experience in India, Liu highlighted the warmth with which the participants had been welcomed.

"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."

Russia echoed similar sentiments about the event and the hospitality extended to its delegation.

"Thanks to everybody for inviting us to such a great event," said Zlata Yakovleva, Head of Delegation, Russia, 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."

Ten nations participate in inaugural BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games

The inaugural BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games brought together 10 nations and close to 160 participants. India fielded the largest contingent with 50 participants, followed by China with 30, Iran with 22 and South Africa with 14.

The demonstration sports featured Belarus' Gorodki; Bolivia's Lucha de Cholitas and Tinku; Brazil's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira; China's Lion Dance, Wushu and Health Qigong; Iran's Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang and Ghanieh; Kazakhstan's Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak and Qazaq Kuresi; Russia's Sambo and Gorodki; South Africa's Kgati and Iintonga; the UAE's Altabbah; and India's Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu.