CHENGDU, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Under the slogan "Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders," The World Games 2025 closed Sunday after 12 days of competition marked by inclusiveness and innovation.
"Over these unforgettable days, Chengdu has not only hosted the world - it has made the world feel at home," International World Games Association (IWGA) President Jose Perurena said at the closing ceremony.
"With warm hospitality, remarkable efficiency, and the impeccable delivery of the Games, this city has set new standards for the future. Thank you, Chengdu. You have made history!"
ACHIEVING RECORD-BREAKING MOMENTS
With the World Games held for the first time on the Chinese mainland, China fielded its largest-ever delegation of 489 members, including 321 athletes across 28 sports. The team broke new ground by entering 12 disciplines such as floorball and powerboating, while also integrating para athletes for the first time.
Nearly 4,000 athletes from more than 110 countries and regions competed across 34 sports, 60 disciplines and 256 events at the largest and most inclusive World Games in history. Athletes from a record 83 countries and regions reached the podium, the most in the event's history.
China topped the medal table with 36 gold, 17 silver and 11 bronze medals, followed by Germany with 17-14-14 and Ukraine with 16-14-14. Delegations including Armenia, Aruba, Namibia, Bermuda and Montenegro celebrated their first-ever World Games medals.
"I'm so happy. I knew it would not be easy and winning gold means a lot to me and my country," said Marcel Gbetable of Benin, who won the men's petanque precision shooting in boules sports. "I want to thank my coach, the federation, the organizers, and everyone who contributed - everything was perfect, and I'm proud to bring Benin its first gold at The World Games."
This year's Games also gave key exposure to flag football, lacrosse and squash ahead of their Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028. Dragon boat racing, para ju-jitsu, and speed climbing's four-lane and relay formats debuted at the Games, underscoring the event's focus on evolution and inclusiveness.
BUILDING A GREENER FUTURE
Sustainability guided operations, with all 27 venues adhering to "renovate or reuse" protocols. The 52-year-old Chengbei Gymnasium, which hosted breaking battles under retrofitted energy-saving lights, underwent eco-friendly upgrades and became a symbol of frugality.
"We used 'microsurgery' renovations. No unnecessary changes," venue deputy director Zhao Yu said, noting that energy-saving lights and permeable concrete reduced heat absorption and lowered carbon emissions.
The venue will next host the World Dance Sport Federation World Cup and World Open in September before becoming an affordable public sports hub.
"The venue will transform into a dance sport training base, where citizens can access professional facilities for as little as dozens of yuan," said Li Yuanyuan, head of competition at the venue. "The public will also be able to use the sports equipment for daily exercises like badminton and table tennis."
"We used to watch concerts here in the 1980s, but later it became an electronics market. Now it's reborn," recalled local resident Zhou Yan.
Temporary structures from the 2024 ITTF Mixed Team World Cup were repurposed for kickboxing and muaythai, reducing the need for new construction. Meanwhile, 15 outdoor venues were integrated into parks and waterways, minimizing environmental impact.
"I love competing here. The water is clear, the environment beautiful, and the arrangements excellent," said Chinese dragon boat athlete Peng Chun.
DRIVING INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCES
The Games also introduced new technology to improve both athlete and spectator experiences.
"For the first time in our history, we've launched a dedicated streaming platform, World Games Live, offering live and on-demand coverage of the events," Perurena said. "This brings The World Games to more people and more places than ever before."
IWGA Vice President Tom Dielen echoed the praise, calling the 12th edition "an exciting expansion into new territory."
"China has set incredibly high standards in organizing global multi-sport events," Dielen said. "The Olympic-level infrastructure, the first-ever torch relay for The World Games, and the reach of World Games Live are all strong signals of the organizing committee's commitment to elevate the event's global profile."
At the World Games Village, smart glasses provided real-time translation in 40 languages, robodogs hauled luggage, and autonomous pool cleaners maintained water quality at aquatic venues.
Among the competitions, drone racing stood out as the fastest spectacle, with athletes piloting drones at 160 km/h through FPV goggles. Much of the equipment was produced in China, reflecting the country's prominence in the drone industry.
"Chinese athletes performed very well at the last World Championships - amazing. They are smart competitors with a high level of skill. China is a leading country in the drone industry, and it's hard for other countries to match," said Bruno Delor, chairman of the World Air Sports Federation drone racing subcommittee.
Squash also drew attention with four blue glass courts, an innovation pioneered by Chinese manufacturers. World Squash Federation President Zena Wooldridge called the development a major step in making the sport more accessible.
"The venue is superb, with very high-quality courts," Wooldridge said. "The organization has been outstanding, as we've come to expect in China. Players are going home with wonderful memories of Chengdu."
"I've been coming to China since the 1980s, and I've seen tremendous changes," said Patrick Van Campenhout, vice president of the International Wushu Federation. "Many things can now be done through technology, such as digital systems and robotics. These innovations have brought our competitions to a high level, making them both convenient and safe."
FOSTERING FRIENDSHIP AND CULTURAL EXCHANGES
Beyond medals, the Games promoted friendship and cultural exchange. During the men's freestyle parkour finals, Italian competitor Andrea Consolini shouted encouragement to fellow athletes.
"Let's go, bro! Go!" he said, describing the event as a reunion of a global community. "We train together when we can and often talk on Instagram or WhatsApp."
Chinese freerunner Fu Sida echoed the sentiment, while American bronze medalist Shea Rudolph added: "Everybody here is part of the parkour community. We're so close - that's one of the best things about this sport."
Dutch tug-of-war athlete Vincent Wagenmans experienced his own moment of camaraderie when a message reading "Happy Birthday" suddenly appeared on the giant screen during competition, staff called out for his name and the entire crowd sang the birthday song. "Completely unexpected!" Wagenmans said.
The 13th edition of the World Games is scheduled to take place in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 2029, marking the city's second time hosting after 1989.
SOURCE/AUTHOR : XIN HUA NEWS
Venues
No third party should interfere in territory, maritime disputes: Chinese FM spokesperson
S&P Global Ratings' affirmation of China outlook reflects recognition of country's economic resilience
China aims to achieve breakthroughs in brain-computer interface technology by 2027
Rescue underway after mountain torrents leave 10 dead, 33 missing in NW China's Gansu
With independent customs operation, Hainan Free Trade Port poised to pioneer China's high-standard opening up
Xi urges all-out rescue efforts after Gansu mountain torrents cause heavy casualties
China activates Level-IV emergency response for flood control in 5 provincial-level regions
Across China: North China night market offers a cyberpunk feast for the eyes and the stomach
Think tank report highlights China's ecological governance innovation, global impact
Chinese scientists develop smart surveillance system to control mosquito-borne diseases
Letter from China: Robots take center stage at Beijing expo, pointing to tech revolution
China Focus: Paired assistance program improves access to quality health care for Xizang residents
Column: China-proposed global AI cooperation organization expected to narrow global tech gap
Factbox: China witnesses remarkable progress in data sector in 14th Five-Year Plan period
China urges Japan to be prudent on historical issues such as Yasukuni Shrine: spokesperson
Books of Xi's discourses on adhering to deepening reform comprehensively published
Xinhua Headlines: Host city of 2025 World Games unfolds new vitality in opening wider to globe
Uzbek edition of "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" launched in Uzbekistan
China Focus: China's expanding national park system delivers breakthroughs in wildlife conservation
Xinhua Headlines: China's factories trade smoke for sustainability through green innovation
Xi urges concerted efforts for modernization when meeting representatives from across Xizang
Tourist train with elderly-friendly modifications departs from Harbin for grassland trip
Xinhua Headlines: Setting sail again from China, SCO charts course for shared future
Xinhua Headlines: Expo facilitates smart, green cooperation between China, Arab states
Update: China int'l trade representative holds talks with U.S. officials, business representatives
(V-Day) Xi Focus: Xi hails "unstoppable" national rejuvenation at V-Day commemorations
Xi Focus: Xi addresses V-Day reception, stressing justice, peace, people's strength
Commemorative stamps issued to mark 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism
Xinhua Headlines: Xi makes three proposals at virtual BRICS Summit to cement solidarity, advance cooperation
Solar panels light the way to rural revitalization in China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Over 2,000 exhibitors join expo highlighting vitality of China's culture, tourism industries
Sand control projects launched to improve ecological environment of Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia
China Focus: 2,200-yr-old engraved stone discovery illuminates Chinese civilization on
Xinhua Commentary: Free trade, AI make China-ASEAN economic cooperation closer, more fruitful
Major Xinjiang port handles over 7,000 China-Europe freight train trips this year
SichuanMosaics | First mountain and lake circling festival of Lugu Lake kicks off in SW China's Sichuan
China's V-Day commemorations enhance confidence in advancing national rejuvenation: Xi
China's Hani terraces illustrate the Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with nature
Xinhua Headlines: Chinese commemorate outbreak of war against Japanese aggression with hopes for peace
Explainer: Why the September 18th Incident was a key event in the World Anti-Fascist War
Economic Watch: U.S. high-tech firms upbeat about manufacuture investment in China
Xinhua Headlines: Jingdezhen: China's ancient porcelain capital turns young and chic
Xi leads central delegation to Urumqi for 70th anniversary of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
South China's Guangdong raises emergency response to highest for approaching typhoon
Xi's Album | Xi leaves for Beijing after attending celebrations for Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's 70th founding anniversary
Xi attends grand gathering in celebration of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's 70th founding anniversary
13th China (Mianyang) Science and Technology City Int'l High-Tech Expo opens in China's Sichuan
Xinhua Headlines: World's highest bridge opens to traffic in China's mountainous southwest
China Focus: Million-year-old skull from central China rewrites human evolution timeline
Update: China expected to handle 2.36 billion passenger trips in upcoming holiday
Update: China's water conservancy investment to exceed 5.4 trln yuan during 2021-2025 period
China Focus: Honoring WWII victory, China gains strength for national rejuvenation
GLOBALink | African attendees to internet forum seek deeper cooperation with China
China Focus: Innovative cultural tourism heats up China's eight-day holiday market
China's transportation network sees travel peak on 1st day of National Day holiday
China achieves milestone in compact fusion project with key component installation
Xinhua Headlines: From logging to guardianship: How China protects green source of its
China's 2025 box office surpasses 2024's full-year gross, with local films dominating
GLOBALink | Global insiders discuss circus arts and performance in China's circus festival
Xinhua Headlines: How small county in north China becomes magnet for global acrobats
Enhe Village in China's Inner Mongolia draws tourists with blend of Chinese-Russian culture
Tourist destinations across China see surge in visitors during National Day holiday
Economy&life | Eight-day holiday in China sees unprecedented people flows, consumption nationwide
Xinhua Headlines: Gaza conflict -- Two years of devastation and dim prospects ahead
60"FlyOverChina | Nature's red carpet unrolled: Biodiversity haven in Shandong's coastal wetlands
Xinhua Headlines: Surge in Chinese holiday travelers boosts European tourism, cultural exchanges
China logs 2.4 billion cross-regional passenger trips during holiday travel surge
Column: From Beijing to Beijing: 30 years on, the song of women's empowerment rings clearer and louder
Participants attend opening ceremony of Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing
China Focus: 2,300-year-old Chinese silk manuscripts finally return home after decades abroad
Xinhua Commentary: More joint action needed to promote women's development worldwide
Across China: Beyond the steel span -- world's highest bridge uplifting China's mountainous southwest
Economic Watch: China's core inflation hits 19-month high, signaling firmer domestic demand
Explainer: How China fosters growth, innovation amidst global uncertainties through past Five-Year Plan
Xinhua Headlines: China's economy shows stable growth trend with positive factors accumulating
Xinhua Headlines: CPC plenum concludes, adopting recommendations for China's 15th Five-Year Plan
Chinese scientists make breakthroughs in longer-lasting, safer solid-state batteries
Chinese, African experts join force to advance collaboration on food security, agricultural modernization
Xinhua Headlines: Charting a new chapter for Asia-Pacific development through unity, responsibility
Economic Watch: FAW-Volkswagen marks 30 millionth car as China's auto confidence grows
Xi says China ready to work with Japan to build constructive, stable bilateral relations
Xi says China ready to strengthen synergy of development strategies with Thailand, share development experience in new era
Three Gorges project generates over 423 bln kWh of electricity in past five years
GLOBALink | Scholars explore global perspective on China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression
Chinese scientists conduct detailed analysis of key water source in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
China’s manufacturing continues to fuel global industry growth, promote sustainability
From Xinjiang’s desert to economic hubs: A power expressway that lights up both ends
From apothecary to Americano, traditional Chinese medicine turns into a lifestyle add-on
China, Germany to Embrace more Opportunities in Economic, Trade Operation: Chinese Premier
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Leave a Comment