The Paris 2024 Olympic Games captured the world’s attention, but other significant international events took place this summer: many members of the International World Games Association (IWGA) hosted important events where there was a double prize; not only the glory of becoming World Champion but also the opportunity to qualify for next year’s edition of The World Games in Chengdu, China.
By Brian Salmon
American Football: Flag Football will debut at the 2028 Olympics. Mexico and the USA, rivals in the sport, have already secured qualification for The World Games after competing in the World Championships, where the USA avenged their previous loss to Mexico.
Softball: Japan, led by veteran pitcher Yukiko Ueno, claimed both the Olympic and World Champion titles after defeating the USA. Japan, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, the Netherlands, and Canada are strong contenders for Chengdu.
Lacrosse: After over a century, Lacrosse returns to the Olympics. The fast-paced Sixes format was featured at the 2022 World Games. Canada excelled, but USA won the Women’s U20 Championship, setting the stage for Chengdu.
Tug of War: In the Men's 640kg category, Belgium and Germany secured spots for The World Games. In the Women’s 500kg, Chinese Taipei continued their dominance, remaining unbeaten.
Korfball: The Netherlands remain dominant in Korfball, never losing a match at The World Games. However, new challenges in Beach Korfball have arisen, with Germany and Chinese Taipei showing potential for upsets.
As these athletes prepare for Chengdu, their performances set the stage for an exciting edition of The World Games in 2025.
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The International World Games Association (IWGA) is a non-profit-making international sports organisation recognised and supported by the International Olympic Committee. The IWGA comprises 40 International Member Sports Federations. It administers and promotes The World Games (TWG), a multi-sport event held every four years that features around 35 sports on its programme. The next edition of TWG will be in Chengdu (CHN) from 7-17 August 2025. 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries are expected to take part in this 12th edition. The latest Games were hosted by Birmingham, Alabama (USA).
For more information, please contact the IWGA Media and Communication team: [email protected], Tel: +41 21 311 12 97, or visit our website.
