Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the opening ceremony. He noted that Russia remains one of the leading sports powers in the world. This is reported by the official official website of the President of the Russian Federation.

“The intertwining of tradition and modernity, the harmony of physical perfection and high intelligence, the unity of sport and technology, education and science. All this is necessary for a person for comprehensive development and success in our era of rapid changes, in that multifaceted, multipolar, free and competitive world, which is being formed before our eyes”

Vladimir Putin Russian President

Earlier in the day, Putin held meetings with the leaders of a number of nations who had arrived at the Games. He has already held talks with Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has also arrived in Kazan.

The President of Kazakhstan called the international tournament “Games of the Future” a unique event. He emphasised that it was the first time competitions of such a scale were held in the world and suggested holding a similar tournament in Kazakhstan. The Russian leader praised the idea.

The first Games of the Future will be held in Kazan from 21 February to 3 March. More than 2,000 participants from 107 countries will compete in five disciplines: “sport”, “tactics”, “speed”, “technology” and “strategy”. The new tournament actually combines several industries – sports, virtual reality, technology and science.

Photo: screenshot of the live broadcast of the Games of the Future competition