CHENGDU – The 12th World Games officially concluded in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Sunday night with the extinguishing of the main torch, bringing an end to 11 days of international sporting excellence. The event drew widespread acclaim from athletes, officials, and spectators alike, many of whom left the city with lasting memories and admiration for Chengdu’s successful hosting.
At the closing ceremony held at the Chengdu International Friendship Pavilion within the World Horticultural Expo Park, President of the International World Games Association (IWGA), José Perurena, praised the event’s organization and spirit. “With warm hospitality, remarkable efficiency, and the impeccable delivery of these games, Chengdu has set new standards for the future,” he said, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the Games’ success.
Shi Xiaolin, governor of Sichuan and president of the Games’ organizing committee, echoed the sentiment. “Chengdu makes dreams come true,” she said, inviting the world to return and experience Sichuan’s natural beauty, rich culture, and modern development.
The Chengdu edition of the World Games, the highest-level multisport event featuring primarily non-Olympic disciplines, left a significant mark through its seamless organization and cultural integration. Among the highlights was the inclusion of traditional Chinese sports such as dragon boat racing and wushu, which IWGA President Perurena noted as carrying “a profound cultural heritage” and which will remain part of future Games programs.
Tom Dielen, IWGA Vice-President, highlighted milestone achievements such as the first-ever World Games torch relay and a spectacular opening ceremony. “From the moment we arrived, we experienced not only impeccable organization and smooth operations but also a unique Chinese warmth and hospitality,” Dielen said. He also announced a long-term legacy project: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IWGA and Chengdu Sport University to establish a center for sports research and promotion. The initiative aims to further develop non-Olympic sports both in China and globally.
During the closing ceremony, the IWGA flag was formally handed over to a representative from Karlsruhe, Germany, which will host the 13th World Games in 2029.
The Chengdu Games broke records in participation and performance. A total of 3,942 athletes from 116 countries and regions competed in 256 events across 34 sports—including floorball, flying disc, and air sports. Eighteen world records were set, and China made history by topping the medal table with 36 gold, 17 silver, and 11 bronze medals.
Athletes described their experiences in glowing terms. Gisella Bonomi, a gold medalist from Argentina’s women’s beach handball team, called the Games “magnificent.” Sydney Martin, from the U.S. cheerleading pom doubles team, shared her excitement over exploring Chengdu’s local culture—including a boat cruise, Sichuan Opera, and visits to see giant pandas. “These were all things we never expected before we came, and it was truly amazing,” she said.
The event also sparked a surge in interest in niche sports among the Chinese public. Alexander Kallai from the International Casting Sport Federation noted strong local engagement with casting, a sport similar to recreational angling. “Given China’s massive angling community, we see tremendous potential for its growth here,” he said.
Local youth were actively involved as well. Ran Jiaqing, a student volunteer from the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, said he tried every niche sport at The World Games Plaza and that the event had ignited passion among his peers. “The Games have truly inspired us,” he added.
Chengdu also used the Games as an opportunity to promote emerging sports across the city. Xu Xingguo, executive vice-president of the Games executive committee and vice-mayor of Chengdu, said more than 1,000 communities hosted sports experience programs. Additionally, new disciplines such as flag football and breaking have been introduced into the curricula of 130 schools, reaching over 50,000 students.
As a result, 18 percent of Chengdu’s citizens are now participating in these emerging sports, Xu said, marking a long-term legacy of the Games that extends beyond medals and records.
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