Last night, the World Games opened in Chengdu.

​”Sports Without Limits, Wonders Without End” – The 12th World Games Concludes Successfully in Chengdu
On August 17, the 12th World Games concluded triumphantly in Sichuan, Chengdu. Attendees included Gao Zhidan, Chair of the Chengdu World Games Organizing Committee, Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee; Wang Xiaohui, Secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Provincial People’s Congress Standing Committee; Shi Xiaolin, Chair of the Chengdu World Games Organizing Committee and Governor of Sichuan Province; Li Jing, Vice Chair of the Organizing Committee, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport, and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee; and José Perurena, President of the International World Games Association (IWGA).

The closing ceremony, held at the Chengdu International Horticultural Exposition Park, embraced the theme “​One Ball, One World​” (Tong Qiu Gong Ji). It adhered to the principles of “​Green, Inclusive, Open, and Clean​” and the requirements of “​Lean, Safe, and Splendid​” execution, showcasing international expression, Chinese aesthetics, and distinctive ​Bashu characteristics​ 

The ceremony commenced with a video montage highlighting the Games’ most memorable moments and cultural legacy. Athletes and delegation flags entered the venue, symbolizing global unity and shared dreams. Gao Zhidan and José Perurena presented the “​Athlete of the Day​” awards to Chinese climber ​Deng Lijuan​ and Japanese air sports athlete ​Hashimoto Yuki​ 

In her address, Shi Xiaolin emphasized that Chengdu fulfilled its pledge to deliver a world-class sporting event infused with Chinese and Bashu elements, advancing urban development and public welfare through the Games. Perurena praised Chengdu for its “​exceptional hospitality, efficiency, and flawless execution,” stating it set a ​new benchmark for future events​ 

As a gesture of friendship, the IWGA and Chengdu Organizing Committee exchanged gifts—a crystal emblem from the IWGA and a ​Sichuan puzzle badge​ from Chengdu 

3. Amidst the melody of “​Chasing Dreams​” (Zhu Meng), the IWGA flag was lowered. The flag handover ceremony followed, with Chengdu Mayor Wang Fengchao passing the flag to Perurena, who then entrusted it to Frank Mentrup, Mayor of Karlsruhe, Germany—host of the next World Games in 2029. Karlsruhe delivered a vibrant cultural performance, extending a warm invitation to the world 

Perurena formally declared the Chengdu Games closed. As the ​children’s choir​ sang “​Auld Lang Syne,” the main cauldron flame gently extinguished, marking the end of the 11-day sporting spectacle. Performances set to the song “​Chengdu​” celebrated unity and farewell, encapsulating the city’s spirit of openness and passion 

(Translated from the August 18, 2024, front-page report in “China Sports Daily”)

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