50 DAYS TO GO: Chengdu ready to welcome the world

50 DAYS TO GO: Chengdu ready to welcome the world

published on 18 June

With just 50 days remaining until the curtain rises on The World Games 2025, excitement is building across Chengdu, China—the vibrant host city preparing to welcome thousands of athletes, officials, and fans from around the globe from 7–17 August.

Members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) shared exclusive insights into the final sprint toward the Games and what visitors can expect from this highly anticipated international event.

Final Countdown: precision and passion

As the milestone nears, preparations have entered their most intense phase.

“With just 50 days to go, our team is working intensively to prepare for the arrival of the international World Games family and guests,” said Zeng Yadong from the Division of Licensing, Department of Media. He noted that final touches are being made on logistics, accommodations, and ceremonial elements, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Reception teams are already being assembled at the main hotel headquarters to ensure that the first impressions of Chengdu are warm, seamless, and welcoming.

A legacy in culture and creativity

The World Games 2025 is not just a celebration of athletic excellence—it is also shaping a cultural legacy for Chengdu and its people. Zeng Yadong highlighted one key element: merchandise.

“Even after the Games come to a successful close, these items will carry on the spirit of The World Games in another form. These keepsakes may stay with fans for a lifetime—serving as lasting reminders of their wonderful memories.”

A medal with meaning

One of the standout design achievements for this edition is the Games’ medal, recently unveiled to widespread praise. Song Haoyuan, representing the Division of Sport Presentation and Award Ceremony, shared the symbolism behind the design.

“Our medal is named Bamboo Light,” he explained. “It symbolises both the pursuit of dreams and the unyielding spirit of sport.” In a unique departure from tradition, this year’s medal opens to reveal a detachable pin that athletes can gift to someone significant—reflecting the role of family, friends, and coaches in every athlete’s journey. “Through this medal, we hope to share the warmth and friendship of China,” Song said.

An unforgettable Chengdu experience

As visitors prepare to descend on Chengdu, the LOC is determined to deliver more than just a successful sporting event. “When they come to Chengdu, it will feel more like visiting a friend’s home than arriving in a distant place,” said Hu Qihang, from the Division of External Liaison and Visa Affairs.

From cuisine and culture to tailored services and warm hospitality, every detail has been carefully planned to create an experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

“I believe that in these ten or so days, what they experience in Chengdu will become an unforgettable memory,” Hu added.

The final stretch

With infrastructure in place, teams mobilising, and the city buzzing with anticipation, the final 50 days will be all about precision, polish, and passion. The LOC is not just ready to host a world-class sporting event—it’s ready to share Chengdu’s heart with the world.

As the countdown continues, The World Games 2025 promises to deliver not only a showcase of elite athleticism, but also a deeply human, cultural experience—one that may just inspire the world to see Chengdu not as a stop on a sporting calendar, but as a home away from home.

The International World Games Association (IWGA) is a non-profit-making international sports organisation recognised and supported by the International Olympic Committee. The IWGA comprises 40 International Member Sports Federations. It administers and promotes The World Games (TWG), a multi-sport event held every four years that features around 35 sports on its programme. The next edition of TWG will be in Chengdu (CHN) from 7-17 August 2025. 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries are expected to take part in this 12th edition. The latest Games were hosted by Birmingham, Alabama (USA).

For more information, please contact the IWGA Media and Communication team:
[email protected], Tel: +41 21 311 12 97, or visit our website.