The Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko, traveled to Kazan to witness the opening ceremony of the Future Games. The information comes from the press service of the head of state, relayed through the Telegram channel First Pool.
According to the channel, the president accepted the invitation from Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, to attend the event. This invitation underscores the high level of cooperation between the two countries as they showcase a new format of competitive sport.
The Games of the Future is a physical tournament staged in Kazan from February 21 to March 3. The event features a dynamic program spanning 21 innovative disciplines hosted across ten sports facilities in Kazan and Sochi. Among the most anticipated attractions is the G-Drive phygital racing tournament, which blends virtual competition with real-world driving. Athletes will strive to achieve the fastest overall time, with victory awarded to the team that finishes the race quickest on both tracks.
Approximately two thousand athletes are expected to participate in the Games of the Future, with 277 teams representing 107 countries already confirmed. Organizers project more than three billion views for the broadcasts across various platforms, reflecting the broad global interest in this modern sporting showcase. The event aims to highlight how digital technologies can complement traditional athletics, offering fans a fresh way to engage with competition and performance metrics.
Earlier, Armenia declined to participate in the Games of the Future, a decision that was noted by observers as part of the broader discussions surrounding participation and regional representation in the event ecosystem. The evolving lineup of teams and nations contributes to the event’s international scope and competitive diversity, while organizers emphasize the importance of fair play, safety, and innovative formats that appeal to a wide audience. (Source: Official event communications and press coverage)