Beyond athletic competition, the BRICS Games play an outstanding role in promoting friendship and unity among the participating BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, said the chairperson of the 2023 BRICS Games' management board, Sumayya Khan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture of South Africa.
In highlighting the developments that characterize this edition, Khan drew attention to the "developmental" and "inclusive" nature of this year's games compared to previous editions. Recognizing the significance of this progress, she stressed the importance of fostering an environment that promotes inclusivity and equal representation.
"If we look at the 2023 BRICS games, they stand out from others because of the fact that, you know, they are developmental in nature, for one, and the fact that for the first time we are looking at disability sport being included in the agenda," said Khan in an interview with Sputnik Africa. "And also it's the first time we have structured it in such a way that it resembles any multi-coded event based on the rules and the format of the games."
Commenting on the preparations, Khan assured that months of meticulous planning had culminated in a successful start to the 2023 Games.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is leading the organization of this year's games, but they are working with various other parties in KwaZulu-Natal Province and the city of Durban, Khan noted. The department has set up a local organizing committee and various commissions to deal with different aspects of the games, such as logistics, infrastructure, security and ceremonies.
"I think the energy in that opening ceremony has really set the scene now for the start of the games," she told Sputnik Africa.
In discussing community engagement, Khan highlighted the comprehensive communications strategy being used to reach out to local communities. Through various media platforms and the elimination of entry fees, organizers aim to encourage widespread participation and ensure that the local community embraces the Games.
In addition, an extensive mobilization campaign has been launched to facilitate the participation of communities living in the outskirts of Durban.
Commenting on the intersection of politics and sport in the wake of various international sports bodies banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing under their respective national flags in the wake of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Sumayya Khan emphasized the primary focus of the BRICS Games – to bring the BRICS nations together through friendship and unity.
"With the games, our focus is actually on bringing the BRICS nations together through the friendship," Khan said. "Yes, there are politics around sport. There are human rights issues around sport. But I think our focus is very much on the issues that unite us more than those that divide us."
Dialogue of Cultures
As the 2023 BRICS Games unfold in Durban, South Africa, the event has already begun to foster a sense of unity and appreciation for diversity among athletes from different cultural backgrounds.
According to Sumayya Khan, South Africa, a remarkably diverse country with different racial groups and cultures, is showcasing that diversity within its team.
The official expressed her excitement at seeing the team represent the diverse fabric of the nation. She also shared how teams from all participating countries have already started interacting on social media, acknowledging and appreciating each other's cultural backgrounds.
"If you look at the team of South Africa coming in to the venue last night, they had this whole activation of singing and dancing, and bringing in all the other countries to join them. So immediately, there was no wasting of time," Khan said. "They could immediately use every opportunity to say, 'Come along, everyone. We're all in this together, so let's celebrate, all of us as human beings, let us celebrate ourselves as sportspeople, and yes, let us showcase the talent that we have so that at the same time we can learn from each other.'"
Khan believes that the interactions and connections made during the BRICS Games will have a lasting impact. In the past, she said, such events have cultivated lasting friendships and relationships among participants, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
It is hoped that the BRICS Games will follow suit and create a similar legacy of cultural exchange and unity.
On the possibility of including athletes and teams from non-BRICS countries, Khan expressed that this expansion could be considered in the future.
"Given the fact that already at the BRICS Summit, if you're going to grow the BRICS itself to include other countries, then obviously it's something you would need to look at," she stated.
South African Hospitality
Delving into the benefits of hosting the games, Khan emphasized the role of international events in promoting South Africa as a sought-after destination.
She explained that such events contribute to sports tourism by attracting spectators who want to witness the participation of various teams. According to Khan, promoting South Africa as an attractive and vibrant country further strengthens the local economy.
The lasting legacy that South Africa hopes to leave after hosting the BRICS Games is due to its warm hospitality and inclusivity, Khan emphasized.
"I've spoken about the warmth, I've spoken about the hospitality and also the fact that it's the first time that we are offering codes of sport for people with disabilities," she told Sputnik Africa. "Yes, we're offering it to two codes of sport – there is wheelchair tennis, and there is para table tennis [...] So I think that's something we want to be remembered for – that it started here, disability sport."
The decision to include certain sports in the 2023 BRICS Games was influenced by various factors such as timing, team size and the opportunity to showcase lesser-known sports, according to the South African sports official.
One of the considerations was to give all BRICS countries the opportunity to fully participate in codes of sports in which they are active – swimming, badminton, table tennis, tennis and beach volleyball.
"Yes, they are part of the Olympics, but I know there's always a focus on almost what I can call the big five, your athletics, your football, your rugby, etc.," Khan argued.
Commenting on the possibility of including indigenous games, Khan explained that they had considered showcasing these traditional South African games. However, given the diversity of indigenous games in different regions, it was decided to include them in the closing ceremony as an exhibition.
She added that this would allow for a localized representation of these games, giving participants a glimpse into the cultural heritage of South Africa.
"We have what we call 'intonga', which is a game of stick-fighting. We have what we call 'inkgati', which is a rope skipping game. We have 'morabaraba', which is a board game. We have "intshuva", we call it by different names, but when we go around the country or internationally, you find these games taking place," Khan concluded..