With exactly three years to go until The World Games 2029 open in Karlsruhe on 19 July 2029, the IWGA celebrates a city that has already made history.
Karlsruhe will become the first city ever to host The World Games twice, returning to the global stage 40 years after its landmark edition in 1989.
For many athletes, volunteers and organisers, the 1989 Games remain one of the defining moments of their careers. Former gold medallists Harry Bodmer and Antje Grundheber, together with organising committee member Gerhard Strack, recently reflected on how the event transformed both the city and the people who experienced it.
Read full article from the DOSB here.
Their memories tell the story of packed venues, enthusiastic local support and a city fully embracing The World Games. Beyond the sporting competition, Karlsruhe showcased culture, welcomed thousands of international visitors and demonstrated how sport can bring communities together.
Much has changed since 1989.
The World Games 1989
- 21 official sports
- Approximately 1,800 athletes
- 4,000 accredited participants (including officials)
- 2,100 volunteers
- 726 accredited media representatives
The World Games 2029
- Around 35 sports*
- Around 4,000 athletes
- More than 5,000 participants expected
- Thousands of volunteers to support TWG
- Significantly expanded international media coverage expected
*The final sports programme has not be finalised yet and will be confirmed by the IWGA.
While the scale of The World Games has grown considerably, the ambition remains the same: to showcase the world's best athletes in sports beyond the Olympic programme while creating a lasting legacy for the host city.
Building on a lasting legacy
The success of Karlsruhe 1989 helped strengthen the city's international profile and demonstrated the positive impact The World Games can have on a host community. The event fostered civic pride, created valuable organisational experience and left memories that participants still cherish nearly four decades later.
As the countdown reaches three years to go, Karlsruhe is preparing to write the next chapter in The World Games story.
By bringing sport into the heart of the city and welcoming thousands of athletes and fans from around the world once again, The World Games 2029 aim to build on that remarkable legacy and inspire a new generation.