MOSCOW, November 14. /TASS/. Sports in Russia is not about competitions only but it is a symbol of equality and diversity, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

"Russia understands very well the value of diversity, including in sport," Putin said in his video address to participants of the ceremony marking 100 days until the start of the Games of the Future. "Sport means so much more to us than just a competition of strength or skill or the foundation of a healthy and active lifestyle."

"Sport is a symbol and an embodiment of justice, equality and humanism, a way to promote understanding between countries and nations," the Russian president continued. "The fundamental importance of sport and the principles of Olympism form the very philosophy of the Games of the Future, which were born in Russia."

"The Games of the Future have already united representatives from 50 states. And this, of course, is only the beginning," Putin noted.

The Russian president said that the first Games of the Future is "a major, action-packed" and "unique sports event."

"The very idea of uniting classic sports and cybersports reflects the image of Russia that is open to everything new, aimed at progress and at the same time able to harmonically combine its original heritage and modernity," Putin stated.

According to him, participants and guests of the event will be able to see it for themselves after arriving in the city of Kazan "a city where different traditions and cultures are developing and enriching each other."

"There is no doubt that the upcoming tournament will resonate with millions of people and clearly demonstrate that the harmonization of intellect and physical perfection is one of the absolute priorities of the emerging multipolar world," Putin added.

The inaugural cybersport Games of the Future will be hosted by the Russian city of Kazan between February 21 and March 3, 2024. They will consist of new disciplines combining advanced technology, the digital environment and physical activity.

The competitions are designed to use cutting-edge developments in cybersports, robotics, both augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR), information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI). The tournament offers $25 million in prize money.

As part of the preparations for the Games of the Future, Russia has organized a series of Phygital Games. The first Phygital Games were held in September 2022 and they were followed by numerous editions until today with the most recent one held in Kazan between October 5 and 22.