South Africa is hosting the 2023 BRICS Games, which are unique for being "developmental in nature" and "aligned to the BRICS agenda", according to Sumayya Khan, Deputy Director-General of the South African Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
In addition to promoting friendship and unity, the games also focus on inclusivity by involving "disability sport for the first time", with structured formats that resemble multi-coded events.
"[The BRICS Games] promote friendship, [they promote] unity, and the fact that people can come together, participate in sport, show their skills," she explains.
South Africa hopes to promote the country as a destination of choice through sport tourism, and to showcase its hospitality, cultural diversity and indigenous games during the events.
"South Africa is a very warm and hospitable country. So I think these games present an opportunity for us to actually showcase the many, many beautiful things we have in the country," Ms Khan says.
Congratulating all teams, Khan urged people to support athletes from all BRICS nations.
"The biggest winner at the end of the day is going to be sport," Ms Khan concludes.