Kazan, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin urged for sports to remain free of political influence during the opening ceremony of the “Games of the Future” event in Kazan. He emphasized the unifying nature of sports competitions and expressed his desire for them to bring people together rather than divide them.
“I have emphasized repeatedly and I want to say it again: sports should be free of any politics, instead, they must bring people closer together,” Putin stated. He highlighted the diverse global participation in the event, with athletes from over 100 countries coming together across various continents.
The Games of the Future showcase both traditional and emerging sports, including esports. Putin welcomed this inclusive approach, noting the growing interest in newer sporting disciplines among young people worldwide. He even offered a playful remark about the importance of physical activity: “It is very good that the event includes not only esports, which allow you to sit endlessly, but also movement, real sports.”