Russian city of Kazan to host BRICS Games in June 2024 - sports minister

MOSCOW. June 22 (Interfax) - Russia is preparing to host next year's sports games of the BRICS as chair of the group, Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin told his BRICS counterparts in South Africa on Thursday.

The preparations are taking place in accordance with the Russian president's instruction and upon agreement with the Government of Tatarstan, he said.

"In the current climate, the BRICS plays an increasing role in helping tackle global issues, including in sports. Our bloc remains an example of genuine multi-sidedness and respect for one another. We have consistently urged comprehensive strengthening of friendly sporting ties with the BRICS countries under the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and mutual respect and equal access to athletic competitions. Now more than ever it is important to bolster our cooperation within BRICS and develop new formats for interstate sporting events," Matytsin was quoted by his ministry's press service as saying.

He said the BRICS Games were neither an alternative competition, nor clashed with the international sports calendar.

The Games are due to be held in June 2024 at 12 sports facilities in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan. The program is expected to comprise 22 sports to include the national sports proposed by the BRICS nations. The Games will also be a venue for a meeting of the BRICS sports ministers.

At the meeting, Matytsin backed South Africa's proposal to create a BRICS Sports Charter for successful cooperation in sports.

"The BRICS Sports Charter will reflect the core principles of developing sports across our nations. Cooperation in some sports will open up broad prospects. To that end, we propose considering establishing BRICS championships and professional leagues," Matytsin said.

The meeting ended with a joint statement resolving to create an ad hoc working group tasked with preparing and organizing BRICS sporting events. The delegations also discussed more cooperation on university sports, organizing a BRICS marathon league, and promoting sports and healthy lifestyles through BRICS sports ambassadors at business summits.