Figital sports represents a distinctive blend of major sports disciplines with the most popular video games and cutting-edge tech devices. This concept was announced by Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, during a working visit to Kalmykia, as reported by the press service of the Vice-President. The remark underscores a modern vision where physical activity and digital innovation converge to create new opportunities for competition, learning, and community engagement.
According to Chernyshenko, this fusion of technology and physical effort helps individuals grow in harmony, push personal boundaries, and pursue ambitious new goals. He described Games of the Future as the world’s first international tournament of its kind, noting that its appeal is rooted in the current demand from youth for immersive, transformative experiences that mix sport with digital culture and interactive media. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the event meets a moment when young people are eager for expansive, future-oriented opportunities and challenges.
In Kalmykia, alongside regional leader Batu Khasikov, Chernyshenko welcomed participants of the Uralan youth forum, where the outcomes of the Future Games accelerator were presented. The official noted Aktive regional participation in preparing the event, including the launch of the 33rd regional federation dedicated to digital sports and the organization of a selective process for student projects within digital education. These steps reflect a broader national strategy to foster innovation ecosystems that bring together sport, education, and technology at the regional level.
Chernyshenko expressed appreciation for the participants’ creativity and forward-looking initiatives, urging the region’s young people to actively engage in the phygital movement—a portmanteau of physical and digital experiences that is gaining traction in youth culture and competitive arenas. He emphasized that collaboration and hands-on involvement are crucial to building something enduring and influential in the sporting and tech communities alike.
He encouraged teams to assemble and compete, pointing to real opportunities to make a mark in the inaugural edition of the tournament. The official remarked that the republic is creating favorable conditions to support the growth and influence of digital sports, education, and related sectors, indicating a coordinated effort to turn Kalmykia into a hub for phygital innovation. This sentiment aligns with broader regional development goals and a national push to broaden participation in high-tech sport initiatives.
During the accelerator, one hundred ten participants took part, including schoolchildren, university students within the republic, and international students from Congo, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Haiti, Kyrgyzstan, and Cameroon. Across a two-day program, teams developed projects aimed at advancing digital sports and education, and they prepared for participation in the international Games of the Future tournament. The mix of domestic and foreign participants illustrates the inclusive, global nature of the initiative and its appeal across diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
Following the project presentations, representatives from the All-Russian Federation of Physical Sports and the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Kalmykia formalized a cooperation agreement. This partnership is designed to bolster joint activities, share best practices, and coordinate resources to support athletes, students, and communities engaged in digital and physical sport initiatives. The agreement marks a milestone in aligning regional efforts with national sports policy and education strategy, strengthening the infrastructure for phygital programs and competitions.
Looking ahead, the tournament is scheduled to take place in Kazan in 2024, drawing more than 2,000 athletes from various countries. The event will integrate 16 disciplines that fuse classical sports with e-sports, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies, reflecting a comprehensive approach to modern athletic competition. Organizers anticipate a dynamic, cross-disciplinary showcase that appeals to traditional sports fans and tech enthusiasts alike, offering new pathways for talent discovery, international cooperation, and youth engagement. The event’s design emphasizes accessibility, innovation, and inclusive competition as central pillars, aligning with broader goals to modernize sport and education through technology. [Source: press service release; officials’ remarks and program details cited for context and attribution]