Visakhapatnam: India is set to host the BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on August 23, bringing together sports ministers and heads of delegation from all 11 BRICS member countries. The high-level meeting is being organised under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 and is expected to focus on strengthening international cooperation in sports, innovation, technology and sports manufacturing.
The Sports Ministers’ meeting will follow the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting on August 22, making Visakhapatnam the centre of BRICS youth and sports diplomacy over the weekend. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will chair the ministerial engagements.
Sports Technology and Manufacturing in Focus
According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting will place particular emphasis on sports technology cooperation and sports manufacturing. The discussions are expected to explore ways in which BRICS nations can collaborate on innovation, sports equipment, technology-driven training and the wider sports economy.
The meeting comes at a time when technology is playing an increasingly important role in modern sport, from athlete performance analysis and wearable devices to sports science, injury prevention and data-based coaching. Greater cooperation among BRICS countries could create opportunities for sharing expertise and developing indigenous sporting technologies.
The meeting will also discuss cooperation around indigenous sports and sporting disciplines, with a joint declaration expected to underline areas of future collaboration. Reports indicate that sports manufacturing and traditional or indigenous sporting disciplines will feature prominently in the outcomes of the meeting.
11 BRICS Nations to Participate
Ministers and senior representatives from all 11 BRICS member countries are expected to participate. The gathering is designed to reaffirm the members’ shared commitment to developing sports through international cooperation and exchanges.
India’s hosting of the meeting is also significant in the broader context of its 2026 BRICS Chairship. India has adopted the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with a people-centric approach guiding its BRICS engagements. Youth development and sports cooperation form important parts of this agenda.
Youth Ministers’ Meeting on August 22
The sports meeting will be preceded by the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting on August 22. Discussions at the youth meeting will cover education, skills, entrepreneurship, wellbeing and sustainable development. The meeting is also expected to consider recommendations emerging from the BRICS Youth Council Meeting and Youth Summit held earlier this week in Gandhinagar.
The youth meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of a BRICS Youth Ministerial Joint Declaration and a BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework, providing a roadmap for future collaboration in youth development.
Visakhapatnam Makes Preparations
Visakhapatnam has stepped up preparations for the high-profile meetings, with authorities reviewing security, transportation and protocol arrangements for international delegates. A friendly cycling programme along Beach Road is also scheduled for the morning of August 23 as part of the sports-related activities.
The BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting is therefore expected to go beyond a diplomatic gathering, with discussions aimed at building practical partnerships in sports technology, manufacturing, athlete development and indigenous sporting disciplines.
India’s hosting of the event in Visakhapatnam highlights the country’s growing emphasis on using sports as a platform for international cooperation, youth empowerment, innovation and sustainable development during its BRICS Chairship 2026.
About the Author
