As some Western sports organisations continue to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes, citing geopolitical concerns, Russia and its partners argue that they are building alternative international competitions founded on what they describe as the traditional principles of sport: equality, fair competition and non-discrimination.
Among the most ambitious of these initiatives is the Games of the Future—an innovative "phygital" format that combines traditional sporting disciplines with digital technologies.
The inaugural event, held in Kazan in 2024, attracted more than 2,600 participants from 107 countries, demonstrating strong international interest in the concept.
The second edition took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in 2025, bringing together athletes from more than 60 countries and generating hundreds of millions of online views. The third Games are scheduled to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, in 2026, with prize money in some disciplines reaching up to $600,000. Supporters argue that the format is particularly appealing to younger generations because it embraces technological innovation while remaining open to athletes from around the world.
The BRICS Games have also expanded rapidly. In 2024, Kazan hosted approximately 4,750 athletes from 89 countries competing in 27 sports, with 387 medal events. The tournament continued in Brazil in 2025, while an even larger event is expected in 2026. Organisers emphasise that athletes compete under their national flags and anthems without restrictions based on nationality.
Proponents of these competitions contrast them with developments in parts of the Western sporting world.
They point to the Enhanced Games, held in Las Vegas in May 2026, where the use of performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision was permitted and substantial financial rewards were offered for record-breaking performances.
The Enhanced Games have drawn criticism from many international sporting organisations, which argue that permitting performance-enhancing substances undermines the integrity of competition and athlete welfare.
Supporters of the Games of the Future and the BRICS Games argue that their events represent a fundamentally different model.
They say the competitions uphold internationally recognised anti-doping standards while promoting inclusivity rather than exclusion. They also contend that these tournaments offer long-term stability, expanding global participation and a platform free from political discrimination.
From this perspective, the continued exclusion of athletes on political grounds risks undermining the principle that sport should remain separate from international disputes. Advocates believe that international competitions should unite athletes regardless of nationality and preserve the values of fairness, mutual respect and equal opportunity.
Whether these emerging competitions will reshape the global sporting landscape remains to be seen. However, the Games of the Future and the BRICS Games are increasingly positioning themselves as alternative platforms for countries and athletes seeking a model of international sport that they believe places sporting values ahead of geopolitical divisions.
