Lausanne, Switzerland - 7 August 2026– One year after the Opening Ceremony of The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, the event's legacy continues to shape the city's sporting landscape.
From world-class venues that have found new purpose to a growing calendar of international competitions and increased opportunities for community participation, Chengdu has successfully transformed the momentum of the Games into lasting benefits.
Since hosting The World Games from 7–17 August 2025, Chengdu has strengthened its position as an international sports destination by deepening cooperation with International Sports Federations. Over the past year, the city has welcomed a wide range of international competitions, including World DanceSport Championships, the Asian Lacrosse Championships, ITU Triathlon World Cup, ICF Canoe Marathon World Cup, international Orienteering events, Jiu-jitsu, Waterskiing, Dragon Boat racing and Ultimate Frisbee tournaments.
The city is also preparing to host additional World Championships and continues to bid for major international events across multiple sports from The World Games.
"The World Games 2025 were never intended to be just a 10-day celebration of sport. From the very beginning, our ambition was to create a lasting legacy for Chengdu. One year later, we are proud to see the venues alive with community activity, international competitions returning to the city, and more people discovering and enjoying The World Games sports. This is exactly the sustainable impact we hoped to achieve."
– Representative of the Chengdu 2025 Organising Committee
A key pillar of the Games' legacy has been the successful reuse of competition venues. Outdoor facilities have been preserved and opened free of charge for the public, creating spaces for recreation, school sports and community events. Several venues have been upgraded into high-quality public fitness facilities, while others now serve as dedicated teaching and training centres for Chengdu Sport University, helping develop the next generation of athletes. The Sancha Lake competition venue has evolved into an international-standard water sports centre, while new facilities for Roller Sports, Frisbee and Squash have further strengthened the city's sporting infrastructure.
The legacy of The World Games is also visible in everyday life across Chengdu. Inspired by the enthusiasm generated during the Games, the city has incorporated several The World Games sports—including Dancesport, Frisbee, Orienteering, Roller Sports, Tug of war and Wushu—into the 12th Chengdu National Fitness Games. By making these sports more accessible, Chengdu is encouraging greater public participation in physical activity while introducing new audiences to the diversity of The World Games programme.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Chengdu continues to benefit from the organisational expertise developed through hosting the Games. The city's World Games Smart System remains in use to support the delivery of sporting events, while the experienced local organising team has become a valuable asset for future bids and international competitions.
"A successful edition of The World Games is measured not only by what happens during the event, but by what remains long after the Closing Ceremony. Chengdu has demonstrated how hosting The World Games can strengthen communities, inspire participation, support International Federations and create sustainable opportunities for future generations. We congratulate the city and our partners on ensuring that the legacy of Chengdu 2025 continues to grow."
– Anna Arzhanove, IWGA President
The ongoing success of these initiatives demonstrates how The World Games can deliver meaningful long-term benefits for host cities. By combining sustainable venue use, international sporting partnerships, community engagement and innovation, Chengdu continues to build on the foundations established during The World Games 2025.
As the IWGA marks the one-year anniversary of Chengdu 2025, the city stands as a strong example of how The World Games leave a lasting legacy—one that continues to inspire participation, support athlete development and strengthen the global The World Games movement.