Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, and Igor Levitin, Assistant to the President of Russia, held a meeting of the Organising Committee for the preparation of the BRICS Sports Games in Kazan in 2024. The meeting was attended by Oleg Matytsin, Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation, Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of Tatarstan, Shamil Gafarov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan and Chief of Staff of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Tatarstan, and representatives of a number of federal and republican ministries and agencies. The meeting was held at the Volga Region University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Dmitry Chernyshenko noted the strategic importance of the upcoming tournament for the Russian Federation. "In 2024 Russia will chair the BRICS, and the interstate format of the BRICS Sports Games will make it possible to organise them at a high level and provide equal conditions for all participants. Russia is taking the format of the BRICS Games to a whole new level - competitions in 29 sports popular in the alliance countries are planned. We see a positive attitude on the part of the participating countries, which do not follow the lead of Western functionaries. In a month's time, the innovative Future Games will start in Kazan, and preparations are going according to plan. I have no doubt that this tradition will continue in preparation for the BRICS Games. It is important to ensure the readiness of all facilities and their compliance with all requirements," said Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the country's leadership for the opportunity to host such a major international event on the territory of the republic. "Tatarstan has repeatedly hosted major events of international scale. The available rich experience allows us to take responsibility for holding events of any level and format. The republic has all the necessary resources to realise this project. I can assure you that we will make every effort to ensure that the Games are held at a high organisational level and fulfil all our obligations," Rais of Tatarstan stressed.
Oleg Matytsin reminded that on Russia's initiative and in agreement with colleagues from the BRICS countries, it was decided to hold the BRICS-2024 Games in an open format. "The principle of equal and non-discriminatory admission is adhered to by all members of the alliance, we provide equal opportunities for athletes from all countries to freely participate in the tournament without sanctions and restrictions under the flag of their country and singing the anthem of the winning country," the Russian Sports Minister said.
He said that about 5,000 participants from more than 60 countries are expected to attend the BRICS Games in Kazan. The preparations are based on the developed and agreed Plan of Events, which includes ensuring the readiness of all infrastructure and services, organising cultural and volunteer programmes, sanitary and anti-epidemic measures. "One of the key areas is to ensure the safety of participants and guests of the event, this is always our priority. We look forward to seeing everyone in Kazan at the BRICS 2024 Sporting Games," Oleg Matytsin added.
Shamil Gafarov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan and Chief of Staff of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Tatarstan, reported on the preparations of the Republic of Tatarstan for the BRICS Games. There are 17 sports venues to be prepared for the competitions. The main points of arrival and departure of the guests will be Kazan International Airport, Kazan railway station and Kazan-2 transport and transfer centre. A shuttle system is envisaged for transporting client groups - up to 170 vehicles. The Universiade Village is proposed to be the main venue for the delegations. It is also planned to use several Kazan hotels.
The launch of the online accreditation system and the opening of applications is scheduled for 11 February. The main accreditation centre will be located in the International Information Centre of the Universiade Village.
A total of 2,300 volunteers will be involved in organising the events. The application campaign has already started since last December on the Kazan Volunteers website. The selection process will run from 15 January to 30 April.
Cultural and sightseeing programmes will be organised for the participants of the competitions. In particular, guests will be able to take part in the Sabantui folk festival, which will be integrated with the closing ceremony of the Games.
Shamil Gafarov also reported on security measures to ensure safety during the competitions.
As a result of the meeting, the list of sports disciplines and competition venues was approved, as well as the official logo of the tournament. The Games will be held from 11 to 23 June 2024. The sports programme of the Games includes competitions in 29 sports most popular in the BRICS countries: boxing, breaking, beach volleyball, beach handball, canoeing, rowing, judo, karate, koresh, belt wrestling, athletics, table tennis, swimming, diving, sambo, synchronised swimming, skateboarding, wrestling, artistic gymnastics, tennis, wushu, fencing, basketball, football, rhythmic gymnastics, chess, weightlifting, badminton and equestrian sports. A total of 389 sets of medals will be awarded.
The Ministry of Sports of Russia together with all-Russian sports federations is working out the regulations of the competition programme and the formation of the judicial corps.
