IT in Sports: New Opportunities

Modern sports are increasingly utilizing digital technologies—ranging from sensors that monitor an athlete’s condition to virtual reality and video analytics systems. Dmitry Maryukhnich, a sports analyst and expert in implementing information technology in professional sports, discussed how IT is transforming athlete training, match analysis, and coaching methods.

The lecture took place on September 29, 2026, and brought together two significant areas of focus. The event was held as part of “AI Month”—a series of university initiatives timed to coincide with the “AI & Digital Bridge 2026” international forum—and served as a key component of the cooperation memorandum between the Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU) and the “BEREL” volleyball club. The partnership aims to advance sports education, integrate modern technologies into the training of future specialists, and expand professional opportunities for students.

The session focused on how modern technologies help athletes and coaches improve training efficiency, prevent injuries, and make more objective decisions. Participants learned about the application of video analytics, smartwatches, innovative sports equipment, wearable sensors, 3D biomechanics technology, and VR training.

Digital tools enable athletes to quickly review errors made during play, analyze movements, and practice defensive maneuvers in a virtual environment. These technologies also allow for the monitoring of athletes’ physical and psychological states, ensuring that individual characteristics are taken into account during training.

The collaboration between KAFU and the “BEREL” volleyball club introduces students to cutting-edge technologies used in professional sports and bridges the gap between university education and practical experience in the sports industry. IT is gradually becoming an integral part of modern sports, transforming traditional training methods and creating new opportunities for the development of athletes, coaches, and teams.