Astana-Kazakhstan, 29 July 2026
The official opening ceremony of the Games of the Future (GOTF) 2026 took place at the Barys Arena Multifunctional Ice Palace and was graced by H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who delivered the welcome address for the international sporting spectacle. The ceremony was also attended by the Heads of State of several countries, including the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Held alongside the GOTF 2026, the World Phygital Summit convened government leaders, representatives of international organizations, sports federations, and members of the global phygital community to explore the growing convergence of traditional sports and digital technologies. The Summit featured opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Yerbol Myrzabossynov, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with representatives of Phygital International.
It also included a high-level Ministerial Session with the participation of ministers responsible for sports from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Upon the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the ECO Secretariat, Ambassador Yerzhan Mukash, ECO Deputy Secretary General participated in the official opening for the Games of the Future 2026 and the World Phygital Summit, held in Astana on 29 July 2026.
The GOTF 2026 tournament that will continue until 9 August 2026 brings together more than 800 athletes and esports players from over 50 countries, including participants from ECO Member States. The event highlights Kazakhstan’s growing role as a host of major international events to the country’s efforts to promote sport tourism, innovation, and youth engagement through emerging sports formats.
