Chengdu,China | August 8, 2025
The 12th edition of The World Games has officially opened in a spectacular and culturally rich ceremony in Chengdu, the vibrant capital of China’s Sichuan province. The games, which run until August 17th, are the largest ever in the event’s history, with a record-breaking 6,679 athletes and officials from 116 countries and regions. The grand opening night set a new standard for the quadrennial event, blending ancient Chinese heritage with modern technological spectacle, all under a powerful message of “One World, One Family.” The event not only marks a significant milestone for a city that has rapidly emerged on the global stage but also shines a light on non-Olympic sports and the dedicated athletes who compete in them.
The opening ceremony, held at the newly constructed Tianfu International Convention Centre, was a 90-minute masterclass in cultural storytelling and theatrical performance. Under the theme “Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders,” the show captivated a global audience with its fusion of tradition and innovation. A key highlight was a breathtaking display of traditional Chinese architecture, as a massive roof, built using nail-free interlocking wooden joints, became a canvas for illuminated LED screens displaying the Games’ logo. This ancient technique, symbolizing harmony, was a powerful visual metaphor for the unity of cultures the games aim to foster. The night sky was lit up several times by spectacular fireworks displays, including one that shaped the ancient Chinese characters for “Chengdu,” blending thousands of years of heritage with a modern celebratory flourish.
For the first time in the history of the World Games, a cauldron-lighting ceremony was set on Qinhuang Lake, creating a dramatic interplay of fire and water. Two water skiers, racing across the lake, pulled two blazing torches to light the cauldron, with fountains erupting from its base as flames blazed at its peak. Hu Jie, the ceremony’s chief director, noted, “If fire and water can coexist in harmony, then all conflicts in the world can be reconciled.” The ceremony’s message of unity was further cemented by a moving performance of the Games’ theme song, “Countless Wonders,” performed by over 100 children from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the universal spirit of sport.
The World Games are a showcase for sports and disciplines not on the Olympic program, and this year’s competition features a record 34 sports and 60 disciplines. The record-breaking attendance, with nearly 4,000 athletes competing, is a testament to the growing global appeal of these disciplines. Among the many sports are beach handball, floorball, inline hockey, cheerleading, and powerboating, the latter two making their debut at the Games. For the UK, the focus will be on several key athletes and teams. Great Britain’s squad, while smaller than the delegations from host China and the U.S., is expected to be highly competitive, particularly in disciplines like powerlifting, cheerleading, and sports climbing. The success of athletes like British climber Shauna Coxsey at past events has brought these niche sports into the public eye, and the UK will be watching closely for new stars to emerge.
Chengdu’s readiness to host an event of this magnitude is a story in itself. The city, which successfully hosted the 2023 Summer World University Games, has built on that legacy with meticulous preparation. City officials have highlighted their commitment to sustainability, noting that they have utilized 27 existing and renovated venues, setting a new standard for future host cities. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) has also implemented cutting-edge logistics, including a highly efficient transportation plan with exclusive traffic lanes for athletes and officials, and has deployed a massive volunteer force of nearly 10,000 people to ensure a seamless experience. The city’s efforts have transformed it into a buzzing hub of international activity, with cultural events and “Micro-Experience Zones” in public parks and historic districts allowing athletes and tourists to immerse themselves in local Sichuan culture.
For the International World Games Association (IWGA), the scale of the Chengdu games is a significant validation of their mission. IWGA Vice President Tom Dielen has praised Chengdu for its innovative approach, particularly for launching a dedicated streaming platform, “World Games Live,” which brings the events to a global audience like never before. The inclusion of para-sports such as para freediving and para ju-jitsu is also a landmark for the Games, promoting inclusivity and further expanding the definition of elite athleticism. The success of this event is crucial, not just for the participating sports but for the future of the World Games as a whole. It serves as a proving ground for sports, with disciplines like flag football, softball, lacrosse, and squash all part of the official program for the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The economic and social impact on Chengdu is expected to be profound and lasting. The city has leveraged the Games to boost its tourism sector, attracting visitors with a “ticket stub economy” that offers discounts at local attractions and restaurants. This, combined with a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens from several countries, is expected to generate significant revenue and further enhance the city’s reputation as a world-class destination. The legacy of the Games, officials hope, will be a continued integration of culture, sports, and tourism that will benefit the city for years to come. In conclusion, the 12th World Games in Chengdu is a powerful demonstration of the unifying power of sport on a global stage. While many will be watching the competition for its athletic prowess, the event’s greater significance may lie in its ability to bring a record number of people and cultures together in a spirit of harmony and friendly competition.
