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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
CHENGDU, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin announced the opening of the 12th World Games at a ceremony at the Tianfu International Conference Center in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Thursday evening.
Under the Tianfu Roof, the largest single wooden structure in Asia, stretching 430 meters, some 10,000 spectators greeted Shen Yiqin with thunderous applause as she officially declared the Games open. Also present at the ceremony were International World Games Association (IWGA) President Jose Perurena and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Committee member Li Lingwei.
The 12th World Games will be held from August 7 to 17 under the theme of “Unlimited Sports, Countless Wonders”. This is the first World Games to be held in mainland China. Chengdu previously successfully hosted the 31st FISU World Summer Universiade in 2023.
A truly historic event was the torch relay of the World Games in Chengdu, which took place on July 26 at the iconic Sanxingdui Ruins Museum, the cultural “heart” of Sichuan Province. The relay involved 120 torchbearers.
The Chengdu World Games are the largest in history, with a record 6,679 athletes and officials from 116 countries and regions taking part. 3,942 athletes will compete in 256 disciplines across 34 sports.
China has sent its largest delegation ever to the Games, 489 people, including 321 athletes. The Chinese team will feature para-athletes for the first time. Chinese athletes will compete in 152 disciplines in 28 sports, debuting in 12 of them, including cheerleading, ultimate frisbee and powerboating.
In her video message, IOC President Kirsty Coventry welcomed the athletes, officials and fans.
“I would like to thank the Chinese organisers for their usual professionalism, hospitality, impeccable organisation and legendary Chinese efficiency,” said Coventry. “I thank the Chinese Olympic Committee, the Chinese sports authorities, local and central government for their continued support, and the people of Chengdu and the volunteers for all their enthusiasm and contributions,” she added.
In his speech, H. Perurena praised Chengdu's efforts, noting that his "dedication to the cause exceeded all expectations."
“Thank you for your vision, your tireless work and your deep belief in the values that the World Games represent. Chengdu, you are not just the host, you are the heart of these Games,” said Perurena.
With the 2025 Chengdu World Games being Perurena's last as IWGA President, he added: "I can't imagine a better farewell than standing here in Chengdu, at the centre of world sport."
Gao Zhidan, Chairman of the Chengdu Organizing Committee and Director of the General Administration of Sports of the People's Republic of China, said that Chengdu aims to host "succinct, safe and wonderful" Games, guided by the principles of openness, inclusiveness and cooperation.
"We hope that hosting the World Games will effectively stimulate the development of public health initiatives, give impetus to the sports industry, accelerate the development of the city, and allow the benefits of sports development to reach a wider mass of people," Gao Zhidan said.
The organizers did not build new facilities. Instead, they used the facilities left over from the Universiade, modernized 18 arenas, and set up 9 temporary sites in parks near lakes. In total, 27 facilities will be used in the competition. –0–
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