The fresh heroes for the field of digital competition are athletes who excel both in video gaming and in traditional sporting events. This point was shared by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko during an open lecture titled “Technologies of Progress: Digitalization and Phygital Sports,” hosted by the online community Knowledge. The remarks highlighted a growing blend between virtual performance and real world athletic achievement, signaling a new era where talent can shine across multiple stages and formats.
The session was hosted at Innopolis High School in Tatarstan and was part of the Share Your Knowledge program, an education initiative connected to the Information Society campaign. The event brought together students, educators, and industry professionals to discuss how digital technologies are reshaping learning, competition, and career opportunities in Russia, with a focus on IT, eSports, and gaming landscapes.
Chernyshenko engaged with the young audience about the rapid development of information technologies in Russia and the opportunities this creates for young people pursuing IT, eSports, and gaming paths. He also touched on the Future Games project, outlining plans to integrate cutting edge tech and competitive events into a cohesive national program designed to nurture talent from school age onward.
During the talk, the Deputy Prime Minister introduced a new term developed within the dialogue surrounding modern sports and digital life: phygital. This concept reflects the convergence of physical and digital experiences in sport and entertainment. He noted that the recent registration of a dedicated Phygital Sports society, led by Olympic gymnastics champion Nikita Nagorny, signals formal recognition of this evolving arena.
In response to questions about personal interests, Chernyshenko listed a range of hobbies including martial arts, hockey, and skiing, then asked the audience about their own sports preferences. The crowd’s replies highlighted a broad spectrum: swimming, volleyball, basketball, and more. The exchange underscored a nationwide enthusiasm for both traditional sport and digital competition.
He emphasized that e-sports enjoys immense popularity today. It is unlikely to find a student who has not engaged with computer games, and data suggests many young people dedicate several hours to gaming weekly. The point of the phygital idea is not to discourage gaming but to help youth recognize that real life offers extraordinary experiences as well. The phygital world has its own shining stars and a growing cohort of self-proclaimed heroes who inspire others to explore multiple paths to achievement.
The Deputy Prime Minister also drew attention to the external pressures faced by Russian athletes on the international stage. He stressed the need for sovereignty and technological leadership to safeguard national prestige and to ensure athletes can compete without undue barriers.
Additionally, Chernyshenko invited schoolchildren to participate in large-scale figurative competitions set to open in Kazan on February 23, 2024. This event will mark a historic first: a competition that seamlessly blends cyber and technological disciplines with familiar sports, offering a unique platform for cross-disciplinary excellence and public engagement.
Further, it was noted that the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation recognizes and includes drone racing and laser warfare in the All-Russian Sports Register, illustrating a broadening understanding of athletic competition that encompasses emerging technologies and high-skill arenas.