Lausanne, Switzerland – 25 April 2026 – The International World Games Association (IWGA) has today officially unveiled the Sports Programme for The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe, Germany, following its ratification by IWGA Members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
This milestone decision confirms the first group of sports that will feature at The World Games, marking a significant step on the road to Karlsruhe, where the global sporting community will gather from 19 to 29 July 2029. Around 4,000 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to compete in one of the world’s largest multi-sport events.
The Sports Programme, approved by the IWGA Executive Committee and ratified by the IWGA Members, reflects the organisation’s commitment to diversity, innovation and sustainability. It combines popular, emerging and traditional disciplines, while prioritising the use of existing venues and integrating a limited number of temporary sites in the heart of the host city.
The sports confirmed in this first phase offer a broad and exciting showcase of The World Games Movement.
LIST OF SPORTS (alphabetical order)
Air Sports - tbc
American Football
Archery
Billiards
Boules Sports
Canoe
Cheerleading
Climbing
DanceSport
Fistball
Floorball
Flying Disc
Gymnastics
Handball
Hockey
Ju-Jitsu
Karate
Kickboxing
Korfball
Lacrosse
Life Saving
Muaythai
Orienteering
Powerlifting
Roller Sports
Squash
Sumo
Tug of War
Underwater Sports
Waterski/Wakeboard
Wushu
Additional sports under consideration, pending further final IWGA ExCo approval by 1 July 2026:
Baseball/Softball
Bowling
Racquetball
Sambo
A second phase later in 2026 will complete the programme, including the announcement of disciplines and medal events, selection of additional disciplines chosen by the host and the inclusion of para-sports.
Outgoing IWGA President José Perurena, whose term concludes today, reflected on the significance of the moment:
“The approval of the sports programme by our Members is always a defining step for each edition of The World Games. I am proud to see a programme that reflects our values of diversity, excellence and innovation, and I am confident that Karlsruhe 2029 will be a remarkable celebration of sport.”
The newly elected President of the IWGA, Anna Arzhanova, welcomed the ratification:
“The ratification of the Sports Programme by our Members today is more than a milestone — it is a clear statement of our vision for The World Games. This programme reflects the diversity, innovation and global relevance of our movement.
In today’s highly competitive international sports landscape, The World Games play a vital role as a catalyst and a stepping stone — strengthening the long-term relevance of our event within the Olympic and global sports movement.
Together, we will continue to position The World Games as a unique platform for emerging sports, innovation and international collaboration. The future of sport is built through vision, trust and partnership.”
IWGA Sports Director Sebastian Garvens said:
“The Sports Programme for Karlsruhe 2029 brings together the very best of what The World Games stand for: sporting excellence, innovation and the opportunity for athletes and sports to grow on the world stage. We have selected a programme that is dynamic and balanced, combining established sports with emerging disciplines and ensuring that every athlete can compete in an environment worthy of their talent. Karlsruhe will offer a world-class stage for sport and will help shape the future direction of The World Games.”
IWGA Athletes Committee Chair Sandra Sánchez said:
“For athletes, the Sports Programme is the heart of The World Games. It represents years of dedication, ambition and dreams, and it gives athletes from around the world the chance to compete at the highest level and inspire new generations. The programme for Karlsruhe 2029 reflects the diversity and energy of our community, and I know the athletes are excited to be part of an event that celebrates both the best of sport and the unique spirit of The World Games.”
Karlsruhe’s Lord Mayor, Dr Frank Mentrup, who attended the meeting in Lausanne with a small delegation in his capacity as President of the Organising Committee for The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe, also expressed his satisfaction:
“With The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe, we want to send a clear message about the strong connection between sport and society. The sports selected here are an excellent way of achieving this. I am particularly looking forward to sport climbing against the backdrop of our impressive city, flying disc at the Carl-Kaufmann-Stadion, and our ‘short-distance’ Games.”
To visit the official The World Games 2029 website, follow: www.twg2029.com