
Summary – The World Games 2025 opened in Chengdu with a vibrant ceremony and thrilling early competitions setting the stage for 11 days of diverse sporting showcase.,
Article –
The World Games 2025 officially opened on July 7, 2025, in Chengdu, China, with an enthusiastic and vibrant opening ceremony that highlighted the host city’s rich culture and the spirit of international unity through sports. The event, held at the 70,000-seat Chengdu Sports Centre, gathered athletes and fans from over 100 countries, showcasing non-Olympic and emerging sports on a global stage.
Opening Ceremony and Early Competitions
The ceremony featured a spectacular combination of choreography, music, and visual effects, celebrating both tradition and sporting excellence. Following the official declaration of the Games’ commencement by dignitaries from the International World Games Association (IWGA) and local officials, competitions began across multiple sports, including lacrosse, korfball, squash, and lifesaving.
Key Highlights and Performances
- Athlete Participation: Over 3,600 athletes representing more than 100 countries.
- Sports Disciplines: Competitions held in 30 official sports over 11 days, concluding on July 17, 2025.
- Lacrosse Debut: The U.S. men’s team defeated Italy 15-8 in their opening match, signaling a strong start.
- Lifesaving Record: Australia’s women’s relay team won gold with a new Games record time of 3:42.55.
- Squash Competition: Top-ranked players competed fiercely in opening rounds, setting the stage for thrilling quarterfinals.
Locker-Room Reactions
Athletes and coaches expressed enthusiasm and motivation following their early performances. Australian lifesaving coach Mark Henderson praised his team’s dedication, stating, “The dedication our team has shown is reflected in today’s results; we’re proud to set a new benchmark for the World Games.” Similarly, USA lacrosse captain John Smith commented, “Starting strong gives us confidence. Every team here is world-class, and the atmosphere in Chengdu is electric.”
IWGA President Jose Perurena emphasized the importance of the event: “The World Games continue to provide an invaluable platform for sports that are growing worldwide. Hosting in Chengdu has allowed us to blend cultural richness with sporting excellence, and the competition’s intensity already confirms the success of this edition.”
Upcoming Events and Highlights
The intensity of competition is expected to rise as the Games progress, with several exciting events on the horizon:
- Debut of drone racing.
- Continuation of karate events.
- Highly anticipated dancesport finals.
- Karate kata final scheduled for July 9, 2025.
Daily medal ceremonies will honor top performers across various venues, celebrating both athletic achievements and the diversity of sports featured at the Games. Organizers have made schedule details and live streaming options available through official channels to engage global audiences.
The World Games 2025 not only showcase athletic excellence but also act as a platform for growing sports aiming for Olympic recognition. Fans and followers worldwide are encouraged to stay tuned to SPACE SPORTS for further updates and in-depth coverage of this exciting event.
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