It’s now or never — the last two days of competition are here at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu. On Saturday alone, 19 medal events will be decided across ten sports. It’s also farewell for seven disciplines making their final appearance at this 12th edition of TWG. Fans can catch all the action live at www.live.theworldgames.org.
Saturday’s Highlights
Canoe Polo – A German stronghold since its TWG debut in Duisburg 2005, this dynamic, full-contact team sport has earned Germany six golds and three silvers over the years. Both men’s and women’s teams are through to the semifinals, but their path to the gold medal matches is far from guaranteed. On Friday, the women edged Denmark 3–2 to set up a clash with Italy, while the men face Great Britain. Venue: Jianyang Cultural and Sports Centre Natatorium. Medal matches start at 6 p.m.
Softball – Friday brought a major upset as Canada defeated Olympic champions Japan 2–1 in the preliminaries. That result sets up a blockbuster semifinal between Japan and the USA — the sport’s two dominant powers. Traditionally, the USA triumph at the World Championships and TWG, while Japan take Olympic gold. This time, the script may be rewritten. Venue: Xindu Better City Softball Arena. Semifinals start at 12 a.m.
Korfball – Could the Netherlands miss out on gold? Since its TWG debut in London 1985, the Dutch have won all 11 titles without losing a match. Their last defeat in any major tournament came at the 1991 World Championship. But Beach Korfball changes the game: shorter periods and fewer players mean more unpredictability. The Dutch have been beaten twice at the Beach Korfball World Championships — by Germany in the most recent edition and by Poland in the inaugural event. Still, they remain overwhelming favourites for tomorrow’s quarterfinal. Venue: Xinglong Lake Beach Arena. From 2 p.m.
Pétanque Precision Shooting – Against the odds, Marcel Gbetable of Benin has reached the men’s final. Once aspiring to be a football goalkeeper, the 28-year-old turned to boules despite his parents’ objections — and proved them wrong. He helped Benin qualify for its first TWG appearance and now aims to win the country’s first-ever TWG medal. On Saturday at 11:05 a.m., he faces Italy’s Andrea Chiapello. Venue: Chengdu Sport University Sancha Lake Campus Boules Sports Court.
Archery (Barebow) – Sweden’s Erik Jonsson is targeting a record fourth TWG gold. The defending champion meets Spain’s Cesar Vera in the semifinal. Jonsson, now 49, won gold in Akita 2001, Duisburg 2005, and Birmingham 2022. Venue: Qinglong Lake Park. Competition starts at 1 p.m.
Boules and Archery have been part of TWG since London 1985. On Saturday, fans will also get to know four sports that are among the newest members of the TWG family:
Powerboating (Motosurf) – Making its TWG debut, with heats at Sancha Lake starting at 11 a.m. Current world champion Fares Ramadhan of Kuwait is aiming for his country’s first TWG gold.
Cheerleading (Pom Doubles) – Also new to the programme. Host nation China is aiming to boost its medal tally, with two pom pairs (three men and one woman) in the competition. Venue: Dong’an Lake Sports Park Multi-Function Gymnasium. Final at 5:45 p.m.
Drone Racing – The fastest sport at TWG, with drones hitting speeds over 150 km/h on obstacle-filled circuits. After its 2022 debut in Birmingham, this high-speed Airsport returns to wow the crowd. Venue: Dong’an Lake Sports Park Athletics Field. Competition starts at 5:45 p.m.
Breaking – Featured at TWG 2022 and the Paris Olympics, Breaking is back with top B-Boys and B-Girls. China’s 19-year-old “671,” a bronze medallist in Paris, is a major contender for gold. Venue: Chengbei Gymnasium. Battles start at 2 p.m.
Other medal events on Saturday:
- Aerobic Gymnastics – Dance – Trio: Finals at 7 p.m.
- Powerlifting – Lightweight Equipped: 1 p.m. & Middleweight Equipped: 5 p.m.
- Speed Climbing – Speed Relay: Men’s final 12:54 a.m., Women’s final 12:50 a.m.
- Speed Skating Track – Slalom: Women’s final 10:40 a.m., Men’s final 1 p.m.
- Ultimate Frisbee: Bronze medal match GER vs. FRA at 3:30 p.m., Gold medal match USA vs. CAN at 5:30 p.m.