President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the opening ceremony of the international Games of the Future 2026 tournament in Astana. The Head of State described the event as a historic honor for Kazakhstan.
Approximately 800 athletes from over 30 countries have gathered in the capital to participate in the tournament. President Tokayev noted that the competition brings together traditional sport and esports through the phygital format and expressed confidence that the experience gained in Kazan and Abu Dhabi would be further advanced in Astana.
The President extended his special appreciation to President Vladimir Putin for his video address to the tournament participants and organizers. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that the concept of the Games of the Future originated in Russia and, within a short period, evolved into a project of global significance. He attributed the success of the format directly to the personal initiative of the Russian leader.
President Tokayev also expressed his gratitude to President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as to the heads of delegations attending the opening ceremony. He recalled that the inaugural Games of the Future were held in Kazan, followed by Abu Dhabi, before the tournament arrived in Astana.
A course towards a digital state
President Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan is building a fully digital state and recalled that Parliament has already adopted the Digital Code and a dedicated Law on Artificial Intelligence.
According to the President, these two legislative instruments have provided a significant impetus to the country’s digital transformation and reaffirm Kazakhstan’s position among the leading nations in digital development. President Tokayev also referred to the new Constitution, which entered into force on 1 July, describing it as a historic milestone for the nation and the legal foundation that both accelerates the development of artificial intelligence and safeguards citizens’ rights in the digital environment.
The Year of Digitalisation and new initiatives
President Tokayev recalled that 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, describing this decision as a reflection of the country’s strategic commitment to a digital future. He emphasized that achieving this objective requires the collective efforts of society as a whole, which is why Kazakhstan is systematically investing in the development of a new generation of highly qualified professionals.
The President noted that, through the state programme AI-Sana, hundreds of thousands of young Kazakhstanis have already acquired essential digital competencies. This autumn, the University of Artificial Intelligence will open in Astana. At the same time, the capital will host an international festival showcasing films created using generative artificial intelligence technologies. Next year, Astana will also welcome the Esports World Championship under the auspices of the International Esports Federation (IESF).
A “Golden Bridge” of friendship among nations
President Tokayev described the Games of the Future as a project that combines the energy of sport, the power of human intellect and the potential of the digital era. He noted that the tournament is founded on a balanced integration of the physical and virtual worlds, while the majority of participants are young people.
Addressing the athletes, the President emphasized that their knowledge, talent and determination constitute the foundation of the future, and that the pursuit of new achievements is best accomplished alongside like-minded individuals. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that the mission of the tournament is to bring people closer together and inspire new initiatives. Against the backdrop of increasing global challenges, he noted, such platforms are becoming ever more important. The President expressed confidence that the Games of the Future would serve as another golden bridge of unity, friendship and solidarity among nations.
