Dear friends of The World Games Family,
As we look back on an unforgettable 2025, I do so with profound gratitude and pride. This year marked the 12th edition of The World Games, hosted in the vibrant city of Chengdu, China. TWG 2025 will forever stand as one of the most extraordinary editions in our history—record-breaking and truly groundbreaking.
We extend our deepest thanks to the City of Chengdu, the Local Organising Committee, and especially the Chinese Olympic Committee for their outstanding commitment and partnership, which made the exceptional delivery of TWG 2025 possible.
Chengdu delivered the highest athlete participation ever, with nearly 4,000 competitors, near-perfect gender parity, 33 mixed-gender competitions, 256 medal events, while also marking inclusion of para-sport within the official programme, and a thrilling medal table led by China (64), followed by Germany (45), and Ukraine (44).
Athletes from 111 nations, competed across 35 sports and 60 disciplines over eleven inspiring days. Their skill, dedication, and achievements exemplified the spirit of The World Games. These milestones reflect our unwavering commitment to inclusiveness and diversity for the evolution of competitive sport.
We also witnessed many notable firsts: the inaugural Torch Relay, a spectacular Opening Ceremony, and the successful launch of The World Games Live—our global streaming platform—which connected us with audiences in 205 territories and further enhanced global connection with 1.1 million unique users and 1.7 million video plays from 205 territories. Traditional broadcasting complemented this with almost 2,000 hours of monitored coverage, contributing to a cumulative global viewership of 448 million. Furthermore, social media activity surged to an unprecedented level, reaching 4.2 billion impressions worldwide.
These developments enabled us to reach new fan communities and expand the global footprint of The World Games like never before.
In addition, the first-ever election for the IWGA Athletes Committee was conducted in Chengdu, resulting in a strong and diverse committee of seven members, supported by one Chair and one Vice-Chair—ensuring that athletes’ voices remain central to our decisions. We also reached an unprecedented level of engagement from NOCs and NSOs worldwide, with 25 Memorandums of Understanding signed to date, reflecting trust, momentum, and global support to our mission and athletes. Notably, 63% of all medals at TWG 2025 were won by athletes from NOCs with which we have signed MoUs—demonstrating the impact of these partnerships on athlete preparation and overall performance.
The second edition of The World Games Series, held in Chengdu this March, demonstrated excellence in both organisation and sporting performance. As a qualifier and major test event, it showcased highly competitive standards and exceptional local support—solidifying The World Games Series as a vital stepping-stone on the road to The World Games.
This year also holds personal significance for me, as in April 2026, a new Executive Committee will be elected. Regardless of the outcome, I am deeply confident that the IWGA will remain in steady and visionary hands, with strong foundations and a bright future ahead. The World Games are positioned to continue thriving and evolving, with the next edition set for Karlsruhe, Germany, in summer 2029.
Just a few weeks ago, we conducted the first Coordination Committee (CoCom) meeting in Karlsruhe. I conclude this year encouraged and inspired by the collaborative spirit shown by our German hosts. Their professionalism, ambition, and high standards give every indication that Karlsruhe 2029 will carry forward the legacy of quality, innovation, and excellence that our movement embodies.
As I deliver this end-of-year message as IWGA President, my heart is filled with gratitude. To the International Member Federations, the athletes, our host cities and Organising Committees, our partners, sponsors, our NOC and NSO partners, and the volunteers—we could not achieve our mission without your devotion and trust. You each play an essential role in making The World Games what it is today: a growing global community.
I wish you and your families joyful holidays, a peaceful end to 2025, and a successful and healthy New Year. May the spirit of The World Games continue to inspire us to reach even higher.
With sincere thanks,
José Perurena
President, International World Games Association (IWGA)