ASTANA – The Games of the Future will become another golden bridge of unity, friendship and solidarity among countries, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said as he opened the international tournament in Astana on July 29. The opening ceremony of the Games of the Future international tournament in Astana on July 29.
Photo credit: Fatima Kemelova/ The Astana Times The tournament brings together more than 800 participants representing over 50 nationalities. They will compete through Aug. 9 across eight disciplines that combine traditional athletic performance, competitive gaming and major esports titles.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the opening ceremony of the Games of the Future Astana 2026 powered by Samruk-Kazyna. Photo credit: Aqorda “This tournament brings together what may appear to be incompatible. At its core is a reasonable and realistic balance between two worlds – physical and virtual.
(…) The main mission of the Games of the Future is to truly unite people and inspire them toward new achievements. I am sure that the Games of the Future will become another golden bridge of unity, friendship and solidarity among our countries,” said Tokayev at the opening ceremony of the Games of the Future Astana 2026 powered by Samruk Kazyna.
The ceremony formally launched 12 days of competition at four major sporting venues across the Kazakh capital. Laser effects, aerial acrobatics, live music and performances by leading Kazakh artists were combined with national cultural motifs in a production centered on the connection between physical sport and digital innovation.
The ceremony was attended by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, along with official delegations and representatives of the international sports community. Daniel Merkley, Phygital International CEO, said the opening represented more than the start of another international competition.
“It is a celebration of ambition, innovation and collaboration. It is an opportunity to bring together nations, communities and innovators from around the world, united by a shared belief that the future is created by those prepared to embrace new ideas,” said Merkley.
Where physical and digital competition meet Unlike a conventional multisport event, the Games of the Future place digital and physical abilities within the same competitive system. In the phygital disciplines, athletes begin with a video game before moving into a related physical contest, such as basketball, football, fighting or dancing.
The results of both stages contribute to the final score, allowing teams to recover from a digital-stage deficit during the physical competition or extend an advantage established on screen.