Russia's Sports Ministry recognises laser tag as an official sport
In short
Russia's Sports Ministry has recognised laser combat, also called laser tag, as an official sport, Russian outlets reported on 21 October. The Russian Laser Combat Federation passed state accreditation, and laser tag standards were included in the Unified All-Russian Sports Classification.
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Russia's Sports Ministry has recognised laser combat, also called laser tag, as an official sport, TASS, RIA Novosti, RBC, Vedomosti, Kommersant and Interfax reported on 21 October. The Russian Laser Combat Federation successfully passed state accreditation. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
Vedomosti said the news came from the ministry's press service in its Telegram channel. The ministry was quoted as saying: "This event opens a new chapter in the development of the discipline: tournaments now have official status, and laser tag has become a full part of the country's large sporting family." [ 4 ]
Standards for laser combat have been included in the Unified All-Russian Sports Classification (EVSK). RIA Novosti and Vedomosti said participants can now confirm their skill and receive official sports ranks. Tournaments will receive official status and be held under approved rules, according to RIA Novosti, Vedomosti and Kommersant. Vedomosti and Kommersant said judges must undergo mandatory accreditation. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
Vedomosti added that the Proton system is used to record results. It registers hits and collects statistics, including shooting accuracy and reaction speed. The outlet said coaches can use the data to assess athletes' progress and adjust tactics. [ 4 ]
Vedomosti noted that the Sports Ministry added laser combat to the All-Russian register of sports in July 2023. Drone racing, breaking, aerial gymnastics and the GTO all-around received official status at the same time, it said. [ 4 ]
Kommersant described laser tag as a team military-tactical game that uses safe laser weapons and sensors that record hits. The sensors are placed on vests, helmets and headbands. Unlike paintball and airsoft, it said, laser tag needs no consumables. [ 5 ]
On 22 October TASS reported that State Duma sports committee member Amir Khamitov said recognition of laser tag as a sport would help attract young people. He said laser combat combines physical activity, tactical thinking, teamwork and modern technology. [ 7 ]
Why it matters
According to the reports, tournaments will now have official status and be held under regulated rules, and participants can earn official ranks. A State Duma sports committee member said the recognition should help attract young people.
Key facts
- The Russian Sports Ministry recognised laser combat (laser tag) as an official sport in Russia. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- The Russian Laser Combat Federation successfully passed state accreditation. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- Laser tag standards were included in the Unified All-Russian Sports Classification (EVSK). [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 ]
- Participants can confirm their skill and receive official sports ranks. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Tournaments get official status and are to be held under approved rules; judges must undergo mandatory accreditation. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
- Vedomosti said the ministry's press service announced the decision in its Telegram channel. [ 4 ]
- Laser combat was added to the All-Russian register of sports in July 2023, Vedomosti reported. [ 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The Sports Ministry recognised laser combat (laser tag) as an official sport in Russia. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- The Russian Laser Combat Federation passed state accreditation. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- Laser tag standards are included in the Unified All-Russian Sports Classification. [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 ]
Still unclear
- Whether the State Duma view that recognition will attract young people will prove correct. Only a TASS summary of a comment by committee member Amir Khamitov reports it, and no article text is available.
- When the new rules, rank awards and judge accreditation take effect. The documents give no dates or procedures beyond the announcement.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- TASS reported on 21 October that the Sports Ministry officially recognised laser tag as a sport. [ 1 ]
- RIA Novosti published its report on the recognition. [ 2 ]
- Vedomosti published the ministry's statement from its Telegram channel. [ 4 ]
- Interfax reported that laser combat (laser tag) became an official sport. [ 6 ]
- On 22 October TASS reported the State Duma committee member's comment on attracting young people. [ 7 ]