The BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting has concluded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with the adoption by consensus of the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration. The Declaration reaffirms the commitment of BRICS countries to strengthen cooperation in sports through dialogue, mutual respect and inclusiveness.
Held under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, the meeting brought together Sports Ministers and senior representatives of Member States to discuss ways to promote sports development, youth participation and international cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya called for building a strong BRICS Sporting Partnership with practical and sustained cooperation. He proposed greater athlete and coach exchanges, joint competitions and sharing of sports science and technology.
Dr. Mandaviya said India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is transforming its sports ecosystem and creating opportunities from the playground to the podium. He also highlighted India’s efforts to promote para-sports and increase women’s participation in sports.
Three key initiatives were advanced during India’s Chairship. These include a BRICS Working Group on Sports Technology, focusing on sports science, artificial intelligence and digital innovation; a BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave, proposed to be held in Udaipur in November; and Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games, proposed in Ahmedabad in October.
The meeting also highlighted India’s plans to strengthen sports goods manufacturing and attract global investment under the Make in India initiative.
The participating countries reaffirmed the role of sport in promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles, youth development, cultural exchange and stronger people-to-people ties among BRICS nations.
