The 12th World Games opened in Chengdu, demonstrating China’s commitment to hosting international events at a new level.

Chengdu, China, —The 12th World Games opened with great fanfare in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu. This marks the first time the Games have been held in mainland China and boasts the largest field to date. Nearly 4,000 athletes from 116 countries and regions gathered in the Land of Abundance to compete in 34 sports and 60 disciplines over ten days. This was not only a sporting event but also a stage showcasing China’s comprehensive national strength, urban charm, and cultural confidence to the world.

The opening ceremony took place in front of the “Eaves of Tianfu,” the Tianfu New Area International Conference Center. Illuminated by the magnificent lights, this largest single-structure wooden structure in Asia perfectly complemented the modern stage design and meticulously orchestrated performances, demonstrating China’s comprehensive capabilities in large-scale event organization, technical coordination, and artistic expression. At 8 p.m., the delegations entered the venue in a lively atmosphere. The Chinese State Councilor declared the Games officially open. In his speech, the President of the International World Games Association praised the efficiency of the Games’ preparations and the standards of its international hospitality.

With the theme “Unlimited Sports, Magnificent Spectacles,” the opening ceremony deeply integrated Bashu culture, Chinese traditions, and modern creativity. The performance team showcased China’s cultural heritage with magnificent group dances and exquisite craftsmanship. The torch lighting ceremony culminated in a show of engineering creativity and aesthetic impact. Water ski torchbearers traversed the lake, lighting the Olympic cauldron amidst a curtain of water and fireworks, creating a rare “fusion of water and fire” spectacle and highlighting the innovative advancements in Chinese stage technology.

This World Games featured both traditional and emerging sports, including martial arts and dragon boat racing, which embodied the spirit of Chinese culture, as well as parkour and ultimate frisbee, representing youthful energy. It also included future events such as rock climbing and squash, which will be featured at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 27 venues, with their scientific layout and advanced facilities, fully meet the requirements of high-level international competitions and demonstrate China’s mature system for sports infrastructure development. The event’s mascots, “Shuangbao”—the giant panda “Shubao” and the Sichuan golden monkey “Jinzi”—symbolize ecological protection and cultural heritage. The event emblem incorporates pandas, hibiscus flowers, and Chinese knots, conveying the values of unity, inclusiveness, and diversity. This design series is both a cultural symbol and a reflection of China’s soft power.

The Chengdu World Games is not only a sporting event, but also a grand event that fully demonstrates China’s ability to host world-class events and promotes international exchange and cultural learning. From preparation to execution, from hardware to service, China has once again demonstrated its ability and confidence to present the world with the highest-level international sporting events!