Chengdu, China, 28 March 2025 – The eagerly awaited second edition of The World Games Series (TWGS) kicks off today at the Chengdu Sport University Sancha Lake Campus in Chengdu, China. This premier event brings together 123 elite athletes from 28* countries and regions, all competing for a coveted spot at The World Games 2025.
The excitement commenced with a spectacular Opening Ceremony at the Chengdu World Horticultural Exposition Lakeside Theater. Representatives from the Chengdu authorities and IWGA, International Federations (IFs), technical officials, athletes, Organising Committee representatives, special guests, and sponsors attended this grand event, setting the stage for an electrifying competition. The ceremony featured dance shows and The World Games' sports performances as well as the athletes parade, with Underwater Sports referee Zhang Lu and Life Saving athlete Duan Weihan taking the official oath.
Over the next two days (from 29-30 March), top-tier athletes will showcase their skills across three dynamic sports / disciplines, with crucial qualification spots on the line:
- Underwater Sports – 64 athletes
- Life Saving – 43 athletes
- Boules Sports – 16 athletes
Qualification spots on the Road to The World Games 2025
All TWGS events serve as official qualifiers for TWG 2025, with quota places allocated as follows:
Boules Sports: Pétanque (Precision Shooting): 2 spots (1 man, 1 woman)
Life Saving: 3 best Chinese athletes will qualify for TWG 2025
Underwater Sports: Finswimming: Winners of the races will qualify if they have not already secured a spot (up to 12 spots available, though final allocation is expected to be 1 or 2 athletes); Freediving: 4 places available (2 men, 2 women)
Among the standout athletes competing in this second edition are Underwater Sports stars Oleksii Zakharov (UKR) and Alessia Zecchini (ITA), along with Life Saving competitors Francesco Ippolito and Frederica Volpini (ITA). Boules Sports’ Ouk Sreymom (CAM) is also one to watch in this highly anticipated event.
Press Conference highlights
On Wednesday, 26 March, the LOC hosted a well-attended press conference, where media representatives learned more about The World Games Series and its positive impact on the host city.
During the press conference, IWGA Vice-President Tom Dielen stated: “The World Games Series is more than just a sporting competition—it is a platform that brings together elite athletes on a global stage. With its adaptable format, TWGS allows host cities to shape an event that reflects their unique culture and sporting traditions. Chengdu is an ideal setting for this edition. I commend the Local Organising Committee for their outstanding efforts in preparing this event. The venue branding is remarkable, and your dedication, along with the support of our partners and sponsors, has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.”
Chengdu and LOC officials in attendance included Yang He, Functional Deputy Director of TWG 2025 Chengdu Executive Committee Office; Yang Shenwei, Deputy Director General of Chengdu Municipal Sports Bureau; and Li Xiang, Director of the Party Committee and Administrative Committee Office of Chengdu Eastern New Area and Director of TWG Series 2025 Chengdu Organising Committee Office.
Following the grand Opening Ceremony, IWGA President José Perurena emphasised the significance of the event: “After a successful inaugural edition in Hong Kong in October 2024, TWG Series in Chengdu represents a crucial step on the road to The World Games 2025. We are thrilled to witness the world's best athletes compete for their place at this prestigious event. The level of competition promises to be extraordinary, reflecting the dedication and spirit of The World Games. Thank you Chengdu for your hospitality and professionalism !”
Where to Watch & Competition Schedule
Fans worldwide can catch all the action live on, The World Games Live, the official streaming platform of The World Games. Highlights and on-demand content will also be available throughout the weekend. The TWG Series will also be broadcast on Sichuan Radio and Television’s New Media Platform, Chengdu Radio & Television (CDTV5), and Chengdu Eastern New Area Fusion Media Center’s New Media Platform, expanding the event’s visibility.
Full competition schedule available here.
Results provided by SwissTiming will be available here.
Participating Countries & Regions:Australia (AUS), Belgium (BEL), Cambodia (CAM), China (CHN), Chile (CHI), Chinese Taipei (TPE), Colombia (COL), Cuba (CUB), Czechia (CZE), Egypt (EGY), France (FRA), Germany (GER), Great Britain (GBR), Hong Kong China (HKG), Hungary (HUN), Italy (ITA), Japan (JPN), Madagascar (MAD), Myanmar (MYA), Netherlands (NED), New Zealand (NZL), Poland (POL), Korea (KOR), Spain (ESP), Thailand (THA), Türkiye (TUR), Ukraine (UKR), Vietnam (VIE), Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN).