On 12 June, Kazan hosted the opening ceremony of the BRICS Sports Games. The Games are being held within the framework of Russia's presidency in the association in 2024. For the first time, the Games are being held in an open format - not only athletes from the BRICS countries, but also representatives of other countries that have applied for participation take part in the competition. The competition will bring together more than three thousand athletes from almost 100 countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a video greeting to the participants, organisers and guests of the competition. In his address, he noted that the BRICS Sports Games are an important part of comprehensive political, economic and humanitarian co-operation.
"The BRICS Games, held on the instructions of the President, will be a large-scale and colourful event both for our country and for all member states who follow the principles of openness and fair competition. For the first time, the Games will feature such an extensive sports programme. Athletes will compete for medals in 27 sports, and 387 sets of awards will be played over 12 days. Kazan, the sporting capital of Russia, will host competitions at 16 different venues. Earlier, in February this year, we successfully organised the first Future Games here - an event that left an echo in the hearts of everyone who attended or was a spectator. I am confident that the BRICS Games will continue this tradition and will be held at a high level," said Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
He also noted the contribution of volunteers to the organisation of the event. Thus, about two thousand volunteers will help at various venues.
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev said at the ceremony:
"From the entire sports community of Russia and the Ministry of Sport, I congratulate you on the Day of Russia! Our country has a great experience of holding large-scale competitions. Let me remind you that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Olympic Games in Sochi. We are developing sport on the instructions of our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin in every corner of Russia. And I want to express confidence that the Republic of Tatarstan will host the BRICS Games at the highest level. I wish everyone faith, hope and love. After all, the love for Russia and sport unites us". The Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the President of Russia for his trust to host a large-scale sporting event in the Republic.
"The participation of a large number of athletes from all corners of the world is a vivid and convincing evidence that sport has no borders, that sport is beyond politics. I am convinced that the Games will be held in an atmosphere of friendship, peace and harmony. Dear friends, we will do everything necessary to make your stay in our country comfortable and interesting, to make you appreciate our hospitality and leave you with only positive emotions and the kindest memories," Rustam Minnikhanov said.
Traditionally, a parade of participating countries took place as part of the opening ceremony.
To date, about 120 thousand tickets for the competitions have been sold. The competitions in synchronised swimming, diving, swimming, rhythmic and artistic gymnastics are the most popular among spectators.
The first medals of the Games will be awarded on 13 June: four sets in synchronised swimming and weightlifting, two sets in artistic gymnastics, six in wushu and seven in sambo.
After the Games are over, Kazan will continue to use its sports facilities to host international and All-Russian competitions. The city's infrastructure allows more Russians to engage in physical culture and sport.
Press service of the Ministry of Sport of Russia
