See You in Karlsruhe
Unfortunately, there are no more competition days to come. But there is always a next edition: the 13th edition of The World Games will take place in July 2029 in Karlsruhe, Germany.
Photo taken on 17 August 2025 shows the IWGA Flag Handover Ceremony during the closing ceremony of The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)
At the closing ceremony of TWG 2025, the flag of the IWGA was handed over to the Mayor of Karlsruhe, Dr Frank Mentrup. Together with his observer team, he closely studied how the event was staged so successfully in Chengdu. Impressed by the performance of the local organizers, he emphasized: “We will not simply copy what we see. We want to give the Games our own character. We want to bring sport into the city. Public parks and squares will become venues so that spectators can walk between competitions or take just a few tram stops. The central plaza will be located on the fairgrounds in the city centre.”
Team Germany thanks Chengdu at the closing ceremony on 17 August 2025.
He added: “It will be smaller, but incredibly personal.” To avoid misunderstandings: smaller does not mean small at all. In four years’ time, more than 30 sports will once again be on the programme. Around 5,000 athletes coming from 100 plus countries/regions will strive for the gold of The World Games.
Representatives of the host city of The World Games 2029 are seen during the closing ceremony of The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on 17 August 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)
Which sports will be featured will be decided “on the road to Karlsruhe.” The IWGA Executive Board will first evaluate the 2025 Games. The next step will be to invite International Federations (IFs) of the IWGA to apply for participation in 2029. The local organizers may also propose additional sports that are particularly popular in Germany. Para-sports are set to be included as well, and the IOC has the option to recommend sports for the 13th edition. Altogether, the final programme will be announced in 2027. From then on, the IFs will begin working on their qualification systems. Unlike the Olympic Games, it is up to the federations themselves to decide who will compete at The World Games.
One thing is certain: Karlsruhe will showcase top-class sport—both traditional disciplines and exciting new additions. Only the very best athletes in each sport will qualify. They will be welcomed in a city and region of 500,000 inhabitants, renowned for its hospitality and heartfelt friendliness. Or, as Karlsruhe proudly calls itself, they will be welcomed in the “Heart of Europe.”
To conclude this preview, here is a review: The Games are returning to Karlsruhe. The city in Baden-Württemberg hosted the third edition of TWG in 1989.
Source: IWGA
Edited by Sang Yarong
Proofread by Huang Shuting
Reviewed by Lei Lei
