Hong Kong, 12 October 2024 – The World Games Series (TWGS) competition kicked-off with an exciting first day in Hong Kong, as 87 athletes from around the world showcased their skills across Cheerleading, Roller Sports, and Wushu. Day 1 was marked by a series of stunning performances that left fans on the edge of their seats.
In the highly anticipated Inline Freestyle Skating Speed Slalom, Spain’s Alvaro Nieto Merino claimed gold in the men's category with a fast time of 4.823 seconds, edging out France’s Liam Dayries and India’s Jinesh Nanal. Reflecting on his victory, Nieto Merino shared:
"I feel great! I came on my own here, I traveled alone, and I was quite nervous. I have never traveled so far by myself. It is an amazing experience and it feels really good. Even if I’m alone, I am receiving so many messages from my friends, teammates, and family."
He also expressed excitement about the platform the event provides, saying, "The event seems quite popular and it’s a good opportunity for people to discover sports they may have never heard of. It’s a very good step forward for making the sports more known."
Looking ahead to the future, he added, "The World Games in Chengdu are still quite a long way. I have just won this and it needs to soak in, but I’m super excited."
In the women’s event, Sasikan Kongpan of Thailand delivered a standout performance, clocking in at 5.374 seconds to secure her spot for TWG 2025, followed closely by local talents Jessica Loo and Yuet Ling Leung from Hong Kong.
The Wushu competitions captivated audiences with their elegant blend of strength and precision. Iran’s Shahin Banitalebi claimed gold in the Men’s Taolu Nanquan – Nangun, while Brunei’s Basma Lachkar took the top spot in the Women’s Taijiquan – Taijijian with a combined score of 19.323, narrowly beating Indonesia’s Salwaa Dhana Azalia.
Winner Lachkar said: "I feel really honoured to win the first medal for Brunei in The World Games Series event! My team and I enjoyed the hospitality is amazing! It was so fun to meet new people and catch up with old friends. It was a dream to join Chengdu next year and it felt unbelieveable that theres hope to join!"
In the men's event, Wushu ace Banitalebi said: "Last year, the World Wushu Championship were held in Texas, USA, and unfortunately, the Iranian team could not get a visa in time to attend. And I was supposed to participate in these competitions, but, in a way, I am very happy that we couldn't go because it made my Hong Kong experience even more meaningful."
"Last year, I went to Chengdu for the FISU Universiade Games and won a medal for the first time in the senior age category.I have good memories from there and I am very happy to be able to go to Chengdu again."
Results, provided by SwissTiming, are available here
Where to Watch
Fans can follow all three sports action live on our new OTT platform, The World Games Live , while highlights and news will be available on TWG Live.
What to look for tomorrow
As Day 1 comes to a close, the excitement in Hong Kong is palpable. We can look forward to more exciting events tomorrow, as athletes continue to push their limits and inspire audiences worldwide.
In Wushu, tomorrow will be highlighted by four medal events: the Women's Nanquan-Nandao, the Men's Taijiquan-Taijijian, the Men's Changquan - Daoshu – Gunshu and the Women's Changquan - Qiangshu – Jianshu.
In Cheerleading, the final round for the Pom Doubles will take place, while the two finals in Roller Sports will conclude the meet in Hong Kong.
Today’s medallists are listed below.
Roller Sports
Freestyle – Inline Speed Slalom Women
The Women's Freestyle Inline Speed Slalom event was a showcase of precision and speed. Competitors navigated through cones with breathtaking agility, leaving the crowd in awe. The results were as follows:
1. Sasikan Kongpan (THA) 5.374 – Q TWG 2025
2. Jessica Loo (HKG) 5.478
3. Yuet Ling Leung (HKG) 5.708
Freestyle – Inline Speed Slalom Men
The Men's Freestyle Inline Speed Slalom was equally intense, with athletes delivering near-perfect performances in a closely contested race. The top three places were claimed by athletes who displayed remarkable control and rapid footwork.
- Alvaro Nieto Merino (ESP) 4.823 - Q TWG 2025
- Liam Dayries (FRA) 5.027
- inesh Nanal (IND) 5.160
Wushu: Taolu Taijiquan – Taijijian Combined Women
- Basma lachkar (BRU), gold 19.323
- Salwaa Dhana Azalia (INA), silver 19.316
- Uen Ying Juanita Mok (HKG), bronze 19.259
Wushu: Taolu Nanquan – Nangun Combined Men
Wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art, showcased a display of power, flexibility and elegance. In the men's Taolu Nanquan – Nangun Combined event, athletes performed with explosive strength and graceful movements. The results were as follows:
1. Shahin Banitalebi (IRI), gold 19.316
2. Mostafa Hassanzadeh (IRI), silver 19.276
3. Kin Sing Kinson Ting (HKG), bronze 19.213
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.
