The 12th edition of The World Games is now underway in the Chinese megacity of Chengdu. Like all previous editions of the multi-sport event, new athletes will emerge who will dazzle the globe with their sporting prowess.
Who will be the stars in the City of the Pandas?
Here is my list of six potential stars who are likely to produce outstanding performances.
WOMEN
Powerboating makes its debut in China with the spectacular adrenaline filled discipline of Motosurf. Think Mario-Kart but on water! Four competitors race at insane speeds on electric surfboards, trying to round the marker buoys and then dash to the finish line. As a 17 year old, Eliska Matouskova, is barely qualified to drive a car. However the speedy Czech racer is an expert at piloting a surfboard round a watery racetrack! Her daring and mastery of the machine meant that last year’s race in Macao saw her being crowned as the youngest ever World Champion. She will return to China full of confidence, having won the opening race of this year's Championship in Fujairah, UAE.
Estelle Gaspard is a five time World Champion, in the fighting discipline of JU-JITSU. The athlete from Carcassonne reached number one ranking in the world on 27/04/2019 and has never relinquished top spot! The Frenchwoman is so dominant that whilst she currently has a world ranking of 825 points, the ones in second and third place have 590 and 555 points respectively! In her entire career, she has only been defeated 9 times in 77 matches! She is yet to win a medal at The World Games, but at Chengdu 2025 is sure to put that right!
MEN
Strongman Temur Samkharadze from Georgia is sure to make a big impression in Sichuan province. Looking at the Powerlifting Superheavyweight World Champion, one would never guess that he is only 22 years old. His extra wide frame and prematurely aged features make him appear far older. He recently set a new World Record for the deadlift, a staggering 411 Kg. This phenomenal strength and ability means he is sure to dominate the podiums of The World Games for many years to come.
Imagine the situation, an African nation not greatly known for its prowess at international sport makes its debut at The World Games. They choose to enter all their athletes into a little known martial art, which is not widely played even in its European stronghold. A recipe for success? Well, if you are Cameroon, the answer is absolutely! SAMBO is mainly confined to Russia and neighbouring countries. The pick and mix martial art incorporates elements of judo, wrestling, boxing and kickboxing.Cameroon will be surprisingly confident when they make their bow in Chengdu. However it is not misplaced when you realise they have 2020 & 2023 World Champion Seidou Nji Mouluh spearheading their assault on the medal podium!
TEAMS
In recent years Venezuelans have not had too much cheer in their everyday lives. Chaotic political turmoil and a rapidly deteriorating economy led to food shortages. However, last month the smiles briefly returned when the National Men's Softball team won their maiden World Cup! In recent editions, Venezuela have regularly contested the medal matches. However they had only appeared in one previous Final, where New Zealand took the gold medal. It was therefore even sweeter to overcome the same opposition in July. As in so many times in recent years, Venezuelans once again crowded the streets, but unusually, it was for scenes of joyous celebration!
The rules of Fistball are quite simple. You hit the ball with your fist, you can only touch the ball three times before returning it to the opposition side of the net.and finally, the Germans win the gold medal. However, at last year's World Cup Brazil women failed to read this particular script. The competition took place just over the border in Argentina's Misiones province. The Brazilians certainly made themselves at home, romping to 4-0 set victory against the Germans. Such a strong performance is only possible when teams have a dominant player at the centre of the net. The South Americans certainly possess that, with star spiker Isabella Lucchin capable of scoring points on all parts of the grass field.