As the 12th edition of The World Games 2025 ended tonight, José Perurena hailed the “impeccable delivery” in his final closing ceremony as IWGA President.
11 days have flown by since China’s Waterski team lit the first ever cauldron of The World Games in the middle of Qinhuang Lake and just like the successful extravagance of that showing, Chengdu has lived up to the hype as a fantastic host city.
34 sports made up of 60 disciplines and 256 medal events lit up the capital of Sichuan Province not just in the glamour of sporting glory but the camaraderie, willingness and organisation displayed across all venues and aspects of the event.
All of these elements were reminded to the audience in a video to begin proceedings at the Chengdu World Expo Park, highlighting the highs and lows of the 3928 athletes as well as the friendships and long-lasting memories created by fans, volunteers and officials.
The walk in procession of the athletes from 116 countries that have competed in recent days duly followed. Once settled in the athletes’ zone, gold medallists Japanese Drone Racer Hashimoto Yuki and China’s Sport Climber Deng Li Juan were then awarded the final Athlete of The Day awards.
Speeches by Governor of Sichuan Province Shi Xiaolin and Mr. Perurena were then read out, both marking the highly successful functioning of The World Games 2025, thanking the hard work by the event’s volunteers and officials for making it a roaring success.
“Over these unforgettable days, Chengdu has not only hosted the world — it has made the world feel at home,” said the outgoing Perurena. “With warm hospitality, remarkable efficiency, and the impeccable delivery of these Games, this city has set new standards for the future.”
“On behalf of the International World Games Association, I extend my deepest gratitude to The World Games Chengdu 2025 Local Organising Committee, the General Administration of Sport of China, the people of Chengdu, and the thousands of volunteers for their outstanding contribution.”
“You have made this event a great success and unforgettable with coverage shared all over the world.”
The World Games may have ended in Chengdu, but the movement is never-ending and that was symbolised in the traditional flag lowering and exchange.
The TWG flag was handed over on stage to Frank Mentruo – the Lord Mayor of Karlsruhe, the next host city in 2029 – and Germany athletes such as Recurve archer Florian Unruh.
A short guided video around the German city - nicknamed the “Heart of Europe” in the presentation due to its positioning on the continent – gave just a glimpse of what the world’s “boundless sports” can expect in four years time.
Perurena then, emotionally, for the final time announced the closure of TWG 2025 Chengdu, the words echoed by scintillating fireworks.
After the maiden cauldron was extinguished, a children’s choir performed ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – a song traditionally sung to signify the end of the year although this time to bid farewell to Chengdu.
A mesmerising gala performance concluded Sunday night’s festivities.
Now we count down again for The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe, which has the big task of following on the magnitude and greatness of Chengdu 2025.