Ready for some sports inspo? 🏆 Jose Perurena, President of the International World Games Association, just declared Chengdu 2025 the best edition ever! During an exclusive chat with CGTN Sports Scene’s Zhu Mandan, Perurena unpacked why this multi-sport festival is hitting new heights.
The World Games are the Olympics’ cool sibling—featuring sports recognized by the IOC but not in the main program yet. Think roller skating, sport climbing, and motor surfing meet wushu, dragon boat racing, and other traditions. It’s the ultimate testbed for future Olympic stars.
Perurena calls Chengdu’s hosting a "gift," praising the city vibe: modern, clean, and green—a snapshot of the Chinese mainland’s remarkable progress. But the real showstopper? The bold Opening Ceremony outside a stadium. 🥁 "At first, we thought it was a logistical monster," he admitted, "but it turned into one of the most spectacular Opening Ceremonies in World Games history."
This marks the 80-year-old’s fifth visit to Chengdu. Beyond the official duties, he’s been blown away by the local youth energy and joy—proof that sports bring people together. 🌟
Chengdu’s lineup strikes a perfect balance: adrenaline-pumping action for younger fans and cultural heritage for tradition lovers. "Dragon boat racing is a crowd-pleaser in the Chinese mainland," says Perurena. "It’ll shine as one of the Games’ biggest hits."
Innovation is key. Organizers track youth trends to keep the program dynamic, and gender equality is on point: this year, there are 15 more women competing than men. 💪 Plus, the "baby room" policy lets moms bring infants to the Games with dedicated support—a game-changer for athlete families.
After seeing Chengdu deliver excellence, Perurena decided it was the perfect moment to pass the torch. His legacy? Ensuring every competitor, regardless of sport, enjoys Olympic-level conditions. "There are no first-class and second-class athletes—only athletes," he reminds us. "They deserve the best arena, colors on their backs, and global spotlight."
Get ready, world—Chengdu just raised the bar, and the future of the World Games looks brighter than ever. 🌍✨
Reference(s):
World Games President: Chengdu hosting event's best edition ever
cgtn.com
