The World Games 2025 opens in Chengdu with celebration of culture and unity

CHENGDU -- Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin declared the 12th edition of The World Games open Thursday night at the Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu, against a backdrop of the city skyline, tranquil lake waters and lush greenery.

Beneath the "Tianfu Roof" — Asia's largest single wooden structure, stretching 430 meters — around 10,000 spectators erupted in cheers as Shen Yiqin, joined by International World Games Association (IWGA) President Jose Perurena and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board Member Li Lingwei, officially opened the Games.

The opening ceremony reached its climax when the final two torchbearers - Chinese waterskiers Xu Lu and Alu Xiaobo — glided across the water behind powerboats, carrying torches passed to them by snooker player Ding Junhui and Olympic and TWG trampoline champion Dong Dong. Xu and Alu then lit the main cauldron, designed as a water-shaped spout rising from the lake, as fireworks lit up the sky in a dazzling display.

Running from Aug 7 to 17 under the slogan "Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders," the 12th World Games marks the first time the event is hosted on the Chinese mainland. It follows Chengdu's successful staging of the 31st FISU World University Games in 2023.

In another first, the Chengdu Games hosted a torch relay on July 26 at the Sanxingdui Museum — the cultural heart of Sichuan province — where 120 torchbearers took part in the historic moment.

As the largest-ever edition, the Chengdu World Games has attracted a record 6,679 athletes and officials from 116 countries and regions and the 3,942 athletes will compete in 256 events across 34 sports.

China has sent its largest-ever delegation: 489 members, including 321 athletes. The Chinese athletes, which has also included para-athletes for the first time, are competing in 152 events across 28 sports and making its debut in 12, including cheerleading, flying disc and powerboating.

In a video message, IOC President Kirsty Coventry sent greetings to athletes, officials and fans.

"I'd like to take a moment to thank the Chinese organizers for their professionalism and hospitality as usual, seamless organization and legendary Chinese efficiency," Coventry said. "Thank you to the Chinese Olympic Committee, China Sport Authorities, local and national authorities for their unwavering support, and of course, the people of Chengdu and the volunteers for all their enthusiasm and contributions."

In his speech, Perurena praised Chengdu, saying its "dedication has gone beyond all expectations."

"Thank you for your vision, your tireless efforts, and your deep belief in the values that The World Games stand for. Chengdu, you are not just the host - you are the heart of these Games," Perurena said.

As Chengdu 2025 marks his final edition of The World Games as IWGA president, Perurena added: "I can think of no greater farewell than standing here in Chengdu, at the center of global sport."

Gao Zhidan, president of both the Chengdu World Games Organizing Committee and the Chinese Olympic Committee, said Chengdu is committed to delivering a "simple, safe and splendid" edition of the Games, guided by principles of openness, inclusiveness and cooperation.

"We hope that hosting The World Games will effectively drive nationwide fitness initiatives, invigorate the sports industry, boost urban development and enable the benefits of sports development to reach a broader range of people," Gao said.

No new venues were built for the Games. Organizers instead utilized legacy facilities from the Universiade, upgrading 18 existing venues and setting up nine temporary ones in lake parks, for a total of 27 competition sites.

The gala performance, titled "Splendor Woven Together," featured four acts of Chinese dance that highlighted traditional cultural elements, including the Sun and Immortal Birds, rapping figurines, the Twenty-Four Musical Performers, and Sichuan opera face-changing. The show emphasized the unique cultural inclusiveness of the Ba-Shu region.

The ceremony concluded with a soothing musical finale as performers joined an international children's choir in singing the TWG theme song, "Countless Wonders," capturing the spirit of global unity and celebration that defines the Games.