Eight new disciplines will make their debut at The World Games in Karlsruhe, bringing fresh sporting experiences, emerging talent and new opportunities for athletes to shine on the international stage.
The countdown to The World Games 2029 is well underway, with less than 985 days to go, and with the Sports Programme now confirmed, anticipation is building for what promises to be the largest edition in the history of the event.
Taking place in Karlsruhe, Germany, from 19 to 29 July 2029, the 13th edition of The World Games will bring together approximately 4,075 athletes from around the world, representing more than 110 nations and competing across 36 sports and 62 disciplines. The programme will feature more than 260 medal events.
Among the highlights of the Karlsruhe 2029 programme are eight disciplines making their debut at The World Games: AirBadminton, Baseball5, Premier (Cheerleading), Hockey5s, Cable Waterski and three para disciplines. Their inclusion reflects the continued evolution of The World Games, embracing new formats, reaching wider audiences and providing more athletes with the opportunity to compete on one of the world's biggest sporting stages.
The programme also has a timely connection with the Youth Olympic Games, currently taking place in Dakar, Senegal. Several sports that will feature in Karlsruhe 2029 – Baseball5, Wushu, Archery, Paddlesport, Climbing, Karate and Badminton – are also part of the Dakar 2026 sports programme. This shared presence highlights the growing international appeal of these sports and their potential to engage younger generations, while providing emerging athletes with opportunities to develop and shine on the international stage.
New formats, new opportunities
Several of the new disciplines bring innovative formats to established sports, offering exciting competition and fresh perspectives for athletes and spectators alike.
AirBadminton, an outdoor version of badminton, takes the sport beyond the traditional indoor court, opening up new possibilities for playing in parks, on beaches and in other outdoor environments.
Baseball5 introduces a fast-paced, accessible version of baseball and softball, played by two teams of five players without bats or gloves. Its dynamic format and simplified equipment requirements make it particularly appealing to new generations of players.
In cheerleading, Premier will bring its high-level competitive format to The World Games stage, showcasing athleticism, precision, strength and teamwork.
Hockey5s offers a faster and more compact version of traditional field hockey. Played by smaller teams on a reduced-size pitch, the format promises dynamic action and continuous play.
Completing the group, Cable Waterski will showcase the spectacular skills and athleticism of waterskiing, with athletes propelled across the water by an overhead cable system.
A stronger commitment to inclusive sport
The Karlsruhe 2029 programme will also further strengthen the presence of athletes with impairments at The World Games, with three new para disciplines included in the competition programme: Para Climbing, Para Karate and Paddle Para Marathon.
Their addition underlines the IWGA's commitment to making The World Games an increasingly inclusive sporting event, recognising athletic excellence across a wider range of disciplines and creating further opportunities for athletes with impairments to compete at the highest level.
Overall, the introduction of these eight new disciplines is part of a broader programme that combines established favourites with emerging and innovative sports.
The detailed medal event programme, including the allocation of quotas across the disciplines, will be announced on 14 January 2027.