Kazakhstan’s Astana to Host 2026 Phygital Games, Fusing Sports with Digital Innovation

Kazakh Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Serik Zharasbayev has said that Astana will host the Phygital Games of the Future in 2026, a global tournament that bridges physical sports and digital innovation.

Zharasbayev made these remarks during a press briefing at the Central Communications Service, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The Games will include competitions across multiple phygital disciplines, blending traditional and digital formats in football, basketball, boxing, hockey, battle royale, and MOBA games. Events will be grouped into four categories: sports, technology, tactics, and battle.

As part of the event, a dedicated exhibition titled “City of the Future” will showcase advancements in robotics, VR/AR, and digital education.

Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, noted that Abu Dhabi was selected to host the 2025 edition, and Astana was chosen for 2026 following a highly competitive selection process. “Kazakhstan stood out thanks to its rich sports traditions and dynamic approach to innovation. The world will soon be watching Astana,” Hatt said.

The Games are being held in partnership with the World Phygital Community, a global network of 98 countries that sets standards and promotes the growth of phygital sports worldwide.

Competitions will be staged at key venues throughout Astana, including the Qazaqstan Athletics Complex, Barys Arena, and Alau Ice Palace.

In preparation for the Games, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Nis Hatt and Phygital International founder René Fasel to review plans and coordinate logistics. Officials emphasized the growing global significance of phygital sports, which combine physical movement with digital technology to create new forms of athletic engagement.

Tourism and Sports Minister Yerbol Myrzabossynov confirmed that preparations are on track.

With more than 1.5 million Kazakh citizens engaged in eSports, the event is expected to boost local enthusiasm for hybrid sports and position Kazakhstan as a regional leader in digital sport innovation.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening international cooperation and building Kazakhstan’s capacity as a global hub for phygital sports.