World Games, Chengdu hosts non-Olympic disciplines

The 2025 World Games are poised to become a monumental event in the world of sport, taking place in Chengdu, China, from August 7 to 17, 2025. It will be the 12th edition of the Games, featuring sports and disciplines not typically part of the Olympic Games. The event will host approximately 5,000 athletes competing in 36 disciplines, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation.

The 2025 edition of the World Games will be a landmark event for several reasons: it introduces new sports like powerboating and cheerleading, broadening the Games' reach and appeal by promoting inclusivity, with the debut of Paralympic sports like freediving (and here Italy is the favorite) and para-jitsu.

From gymnastics to squash, these sports have consistently attracted large audiences and fierce competition. Gymnastics will feature acrobatics, aerobics, parkour, and trampoline events, offering a wide range of athletic skills. Squash, a staple of the World Games, will once again test the agility and precision of its competitors.

Where to compete

Chengdu is well-prepared to host the World Games, boasting a variety of state-of-the-art venues. The Dong'an Lake Sports Center will serve as the main venue, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies. Other notable venues include the Longquan High School gymnasium for indoor sports and Tianfu Park, which will host outdoor events. Chengdu's infrastructure is a mix of old and new, with facilities catering to both traditional and modern sports.