The first “Games of the Future” have been ceremoniously opened in Kazan.
The “Games of the Future,” previously mentioned, have officially begun. On February 21, Vladimir Putin ceremoniously opened the first international multisport tournament in Kazan.
The President emphasized that in this way, Russia is making a significant contribution to world sports, and these games symbolize freedom from political influences and double standards.
“I am pleased to welcome the pioneers of fidgetal sports in Russia, an absolutely new innovative format that defined the very name of the upcoming competitions,” stated the head of state. “These are indeed the games of the future, a combination of tradition and modernity, the harmony of physical perfection and high intellect, the unity of sports and technology, enlightenment, and science. All of this is necessary for a person’s comprehensive development and success in our era of rapid change.”
The ceremony was attended by outstanding Russian athletes, including Nikita Nagornyy, Olympic champion in artistic gymnastics, Andrey Arshavin, former captain of the Russian national football team, and figure skater Kamila Valieva.
“It is natural that the idea of combining classical and esports was born in Russia. Our country has been and remains one of the leading sports powers on the planet, the homeland of great athletes, victories, and records,” noted the head of the country.
In the presidential box at the opening were the heads of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and the Republic of Srpska: Alexander Lukashenko, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Sadyr Japarov, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Emomali Rahmon, and Milorad Dodik.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized that the tournament brought together the digital and real worlds, receiving support from many countries and covering almost all regions of Russia.
The multisport tournament “Games of the Future” takes place from February 21 to March 3, 2024, and presents 21 innovative disciplines in the philosophy of fidgetal— the combination of physical and digital technologies in virtual or augmented reality. The tournament involves more than 2000 athletes from various countries.