What are the BRICS Games? Here's all you need to know

The fifth edition is scheduled to take place in South Africa.

The BRICS Games is an international multi-sporting event which unites the nations from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It provides a platform that nurtures friendship, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of sporting excellence. While the business side of BRICS focuses on economic and political collaboration, the BRICS Games seeks to demonstrate the unity and synergy these nations exhibit in sports in tandem with diplomatic and trade relations.

Here is all you need to know about the BRICS Games:

What are the BRICS Games?

The BRICS Games are a multi-sporting event that aims to reflect and highlight the cultural persona of the host country. Unlike other major sporting events of a similar nature that are either biennial or quadrennial, the BRICS games are held annually. 

Which nations are part of BRICS Games ?

It is a competition organized by countries of the BRICS economic group. The member nations of BRICS are:  Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Who were the previous host nations of BRICS Games?

The first edition of the games was held in Goa, India, in 2016, with a sole event -U17 football event. India again hosted the competition in 2021.

China - 2017 and 2022. The 2022 edition was held virtually due to the pandemic.

South Africa - 2018 and 2023.

What is the qualifying age for participation in BRICS Games?

The 2023 edition of the BRICS Games will see hosts South Africa welcoming athletes aged between 19 and 21, as they battle for honours in five sporting disciplines.

What are the sports included at BRICS Games 20243?

The sports included at the BRICS Games have gradually been expanded over the previous five years. Sports included at the ongoing edition are swimming, badminton, table tennis, tennis and beach volleyball. 

BRICS Games 2023 venues and schedule

The venues for the events are Kings Park Swimming Pool, UKZN Old Mutual Sports Hall for badminton, the UKZN Westville Campus Indoor Hall for table tennis, tennis at the Westridge Park Tennis Stadium, and, finally, beach volleyball at the Bay of Plenty. The events will be held simultaneously. 

The host city for the fifth edition is Durban in the KwaZulu Natal Province. The competition is scheduled to run from the 18th to the 21st of October. This year’s Games will be more inclusive and will see Paralympians participating in tennis and table tennis for the first time. 

Plans for BRICS Games in 2024?

Plans are afoot to make the next BRICS Games scheduled for June 2024 at the Russian city of Kazan to be significantly larger. The 2024 edition will feature events across twenty-five sports and include an expanded list of participating countries. Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are to join the group from January 1, 2024.