Cheerleading to Make Its TWG Debut in Chengdu

 

Cheerleading is officially joining The World Games (TWG) programme and will make its debut at TWG 2025 Chengdu. The announcement was made at the IWGA Annual General Meeting in May 2024, following a vote by IWGA members to approve the sport’s inclusion.

 

At TWG 2025, the Cheerleading discipline of Pom will take the stage on 15–16 August at the Dong’an Lake Sports Park Multi-Function Gymnasium. A total of 11 pairs—22 athletes in total—will compete in this dynamic and high-energy discipline, which blends synchronised dance, formations, and gymnastic skills.

 

Cheerleading’s recognition as a TWG sport follows a landmark decision made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 20 July 2021. At its 138th session, held in Tokyo, the IOC officially granted full recognition to the International Cheer Union, paving the way for Cheerleading to become a future Olympic event.

 

 

In China, Cheerleading began gaining popularity around the year of 2000. According to the China Cheerleading Association, more than 40 million people now participate in the sport across the country. Over 2,800 schools nationwide have incorporated Cheerleading into their athletic programmes, reflecting the sport’s rapid rise in both visibility and participation.

 

Edited by Wang Yunlong

Proofread by Huang Shuting

Reviewed by Lei Lei