The international multisport tournament "Games of the Future – 2026," being held for the first time in the capital of Kazakhstan, marks a significant step in the development of international sports cooperation and in strengthening our country's position as a venue for hosting major events at the intersection of sports and digital technologies.

The opening ceremony at the Barys Arena stadium was attended by the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Among the distinguished guests were the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev; the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov; the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon; as well as representatives of official delegations and the international sports community.

In his address, the President of Kazakhstan expressed gratitude to the leaders of brotherly nations, athletes, and guests who arrived to take part in the tournament. He noted that the "Games of the Future" organically combine sports, intellect, and the opportunities of the digital age, reflecting contemporary trends in societal development and creating a unique balance between the physical and virtual worlds.

"This tournament unites what at first glance seems incompatible. At its core lies a sound and realistic balance between two worlds – the physical and the virtual. Today, this arena is filled primarily with young people. Your knowledge, talent, dedication, and determination are a strong and unshakeable foundation for tomorrow's future. The road leading to new heights of progress will not be easy. But journeys become easier when you walk them side by side with like-minded people and trusted friends. Every participant in the Games has undergone rigorous training and rightfully represents their team. I am confident that during the competitions you will demonstrate your best qualities, make new friends, and collectively outline many promising projects. After all, the core mission of the 'Games of the Future' is to truly bring people together and inspire them to new achievements. I am convinced that the 'Games of the Future' will become yet another 'golden bridge' of unity, friendship, and solidarity among our nations," the Head of State emphasized.

In conclusion, the President wished the athletes good luck and thanked the organizers, partners, judges, coaches, volunteers, and all the professionals involved in preparing the tournament.

The opening ceremony also featured a video address from the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, to the competition participants. The General Director of the "Games of the Future," Dan Merkley, addressed the audience, followed by a theatrical show and a concert program featuring stars of the Kazakhstani stage.

It is worth recalling that the international tournament is taking place in Astana from July 29 to August 9. The competition program includes eight disciplines that combine esports, traditional sports, and modern technologies: phygital football, phygital basketball, phygital martial arts, phygital shooter, phygital dance, as well as Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and PUBG: Battlegrounds. Over 800 athletes from 34 countries are taking part in the competitions.

Additionally, on July 29, the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan opened an exhibition entitled "From Athens to Astana. Olympic Artifacts," timed to coincide with the opening of the international multisport tournament "Games of the Future – 2026" and also dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the first modern Olympic Games, held in Athens in 1896.

The exhibition tells the story of the history and development of the Olympic movement, its traditions and values. Visitors are presented with 141 authentic exhibits, including Olympic medals from different years, commemorative awards, torches, diplomas, and other unique artifacts. The exhibition is primarily composed of items from Vladimir Potanin's Olympic collection, supplemented by exhibits from the National Museum's holdings, including personal belongings and sports equipment of renowned athletes.

A significant part of the exhibition is devoted to the Olympic achievements of independent Kazakhstan. Displayed are photographs, awards, and commemorative items associated with outstanding Kazakhstani athletes – Vladimir Smirnov, Bekzat Sattarkhanov, Bakhtiyar Artayev, Serik Sapiyev, Alexander Vinokurov, Denis Ten, Olga Rypakova, Gennady Golovkin, and Yeldos Smetov.

A special place in the exhibition space is occupied by modern digital technologies. Through neural network solutions, historic Olympic diplomas are "brought to life," allowing visitors to see animated images of ancient heroes and athletes. This format merges the rich Olympic heritage with the possibilities of the digital age, making the exploration of sports history more interactive.

During the exhibition's opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Serik Zharasbayev, remarked: "The fact that this exhibition is being held concurrently with the international multisport tournament 'Games of the Future – 2026' is a very timely and symbolic decision. For the guests of Astana, it is an opportunity to see the path of development of world sport and the Olympic movement, and for the younger generation – a chance to touch history, feel the spirit of bygone eras, and draw inspiration from the examples of great champions. Projects like this help preserve the continuity of generations and strengthen respect for Olympic values."

According to the event organizers, the opening of the exhibition on the opening day of the "Games of the Future – 2026" symbolizes the connection between Olympic traditions and the modern development of sport and technology, underscoring the continuity of generations and the enduring value of Olympic ideals.

Prepared by Almiya ASKAR