The BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting 2026 wrapped up in Visakhapatnam with the unanimous adoption of a joint declaration that commits member states to bolstering sports cooperation through dialogue and inclusiveness according to the Press Information Bureau. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya who hosted the event urged the group to establish a practical BRICS Sporting Partnership focused on tangible outcomes rather than paperwork alone. Participating ministers from the UAE Egypt Ethiopia Indonesia Iran and South Africa joined Indian officials in the discussions and a friendship cycling ride that promoted fitness and cross-cultural ties.
UAE advances international sports cooperation at BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting in India as highlighted in official Emirati reporting on the country’s contributions to the multilateral forum. The UAE has been an active BRICS member since its accession in 2024 using the platform to expand its sports diplomacy footprint across emerging markets. This participation aligns with the nation’s strategy to leverage sports for international relations and youth development building on its successful hosting of major global events in recent years.
Key initiatives progressed during the meeting include the formation of a Working Group on Sports Technology to advance innovation artificial intelligence and best practices in athlete training a PIB release stated. The BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave is set to convene in Udaipur Rajasthan during November to explore trade and technology in sports equipment while the Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games are planned for Ahmedabad on October 12 and 13 to celebrate cultural heritage. These events are expected to facilitate knowledge exchange and economic opportunities among the expanded BRICS bloc that now includes the UAE.
Mandaviya said in his opening statement that the partnership should facilitate athlete and coach exchanges joint competitions and sharing of sports science knowledge. “We should build a BRICS Sporting Partnership that moves beyond declarations and creates real platforms for sports collaborations whether it is athlete and coach exchanges joint competitions or sports science knowledge sharing” he said. The minister also invited international companies to invest in India’s sports manufacturing sector under initiatives like Make in India.
The meeting took place under India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026 which has prioritized sports as a vehicle for social integration and economic growth according to reports from The Hindu. Delegations emphasized the importance of sports in promoting healthy lifestyles youth empowerment and people-to-people connections among member nations. Additional bilateral engagements on the sidelines allowed for targeted discussions on potential future collaborations in sports infrastructure and training programs.
A memorandum of understanding from the BRICS Sports Group referenced in related documents outlines objectives such as social integration through physical culture and the exchange of sports professionals between countries. This framework supports the joint declaration adopted at the Visakhapatnam meeting. The UAE’s engagement in these forums demonstrates its dedication to contributing to BRICS objectives in the sports domain.
