Phygital Sports Enter Russian Schools: Blending Fitness, Technology, and Fun
Russia is reimagining physical education by merging traditional exercise with digital technology. The Ministry of Education is reviewing an initiative that introduces 'phygital' sports into school curriculums — a hybrid model combining physical activity and virtual gaming. The pilot program, already in development in the Novosibirsk region, aims to make PE classes more engaging, safe, and effective for students.
Training Champions in Virtual Gyms
Phygital sports — short for 'physical plus digital' — are gaining traction in Russia. Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyaryov has proposed adding new modules that integrate athletic training with digital activities.
The All-Russian Federation of Phygital Sports is developing the pilot framework, which could include disciplines such as tactical shooting in virtual arenas.
Regional education systems are already experimenting with this approach.In the Novosibirsk region, plans are underway to introduce virtual sports experiences in schools. A dedicated phygital center in Krasnoobsk will feature both esports zones and open physical areas. Schools are also acquiring new training tools — including mock weapons and simulators — to support digital-physical learning. By aligning sports education with students’ digital interests, educators hope to increase participation and motivate more children to pursue athletic excellence.
A Global Trend Meets Local Innovation
The worldwide shift toward tech-integrated sports has reached classrooms. In September, members of Russia’s State Duma proposed launching a pilot project for phygital PE modules. They argue that today’s youth are naturally drawn to digital technologies and esports, so combining those with physical activity could boost engagement while combating sedentary lifestyles.
Such programs could help students build healthy habits, improve coordination, and develop motivation through gamified experiences. Phygital sports, experts note, represent more than just innovation — they’re a response to modern behavioral patterns shaped by the digital era.
Virtual Reality in the Gym
VR and AR technologies are already transforming education in Russia. In the Tyumen region, schools are set to test a new VR career guidance platform called 'In Action' starting in September 2025. In St. Petersburg, schools No. 4, 561, and 28 use 3D/VR/AR tools to help students with disabilities learn more effectively.
In sports, immersive technologies are becoming powerful training tools. The company "Sport Avtomatika" developed FootBot — a robotic training system for football players. The system uses ball-launching machines and color-coded targets to simulate real-game scenarios. Artificial intelligence analyzes players’ performance, identifies weaknesses, and tailors personalized training programs.
“The system compares performance data to real match statistics, highlights weak points, and generates personalized drills. It tracks weekly and monthly progress, helping young players quickly improve passing accuracy, reaction speed, and spatial awareness,” explains Yuri Kotlyarov, Software Development Director at Sport Avtomatika. The company plans to deploy FootBot across youth football academies.
A Catalyst for the EdTech and SportsTech Markets
The Novosibirsk pilot shows how adaptable Russian schools are to the digital transformation of physical education. Within one to two years, experts predict that phygital sports modules, VR platforms, and simulation-based training will become standard across several regions. Demand is already rising for equipment and software — from VR kits to tactical training simulators and interactive systems used in safety and defense classes.
This trend is set to stimulate growth in Russia’s IT and sports technology sectors, creating new business opportunities for companies specializing in VR/AR, esports, and sports analytics. Developers will need to expand their expertise to meet these emerging needs, building partnerships between the education system and technology providers.
