President Vladimir Putin claimed that 'phygital' sports would become one of the most popular leisure activities in the Russian Federation, speaking at the opening ceremony of the 'Games of the Future' in Kazan on Wednesday.

"Relevant, spectacular and dynamic, it (phygital sport) can arouse interest in physical culture and healthy lifestyles among people of all generations and, of course, among children and young people. For us, this is the special value of the Games of the Future - along with, of course, the affirmation of the most important, fundamental principles of sport: solidarity between countries and peoples of the world, equality of all athletes and fair, uncompromising competition," the head of state said.

Putin also added that the Games of the Future would be free from 'political conjuncture, any kind of discrimination and double standards.'

Before the start of the tournament, the leaders of Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, who had been invited to the event, thanked the Russian president for his hospitality and wished him luck with the venture.

'Games of the Future' is the first ever phygital sports show to combine physical and digital competition, though 'real-life' sports and e-sports.

The tournament will be held in Kazan from 21 February to 3 March. Around 2,000 people are expected to take part in the competition.