CHENGDU -- Under the slogan "Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders," The World Games 2025 closed Sunday after 12 days of competition marked by inclusiveness and innovation.

"Over these unforgettable days, Chengdu has not only hosted the world - it has made the world feel at home," International World Games Association (IWGA) President Jose Perurena said at the closing ceremony.

"With warm hospitality, remarkable efficiency, and the impeccable delivery of the Games, this city has set new standards for the future. Thank you, Chengdu. You have made history!"

ACHIEVING RECORD-BREAKING MOMENTS

With the World Games held for the first time on the Chinese mainland, China fielded its largest-ever delegation of 489 members, including 321 athletes across 28 sports. The team broke new ground by entering 12 disciplines such as floorball and powerboating, while also integrating para athletes for the first time.

Nearly 4,000 athletes from more than 110 countries and regions competed across 34 sports, 60 disciplines and 256 events at the largest and most inclusive World Games in history. Athletes from a record 83 countries and regions reached the podium, the most in the event's history.

China topped the medal table with 36 gold, 17 silver and 11 bronze medals, followed by Germany with 17-14-14 and Ukraine with 16-14-14. Delegations including Armenia, Aruba, Namibia, Bermuda and Montenegro celebrated their first-ever World Games medals.

"I'm so happy. I knew it would not be easy and winning gold means a lot to me and my country," said Marcel Gbetable of Benin, who won the men's petanque precision shooting in boules sports. "I want to thank my coach, the federation, the organizers, and everyone who contributed - everything was perfect, and I'm proud to bring Benin its first gold at The World Games."

This year's Games also gave key exposure to flag football, lacrosse and squash ahead of their Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028. Dragon boat racing, para ju-jitsu, and speed climbing's four-lane and relay formats debuted at the Games, underscoring the event's focus on evolution and inclusiveness.

BUILDING A GREENER FUTURE

Sustainability guided operations, with all 27 venues adhering to "renovate or reuse" protocols. The 52-year-old Chengbei Gymnasium, which hosted breaking battles under retrofitted energy-saving lights, underwent eco-friendly upgrades and became a symbol of frugality.

"We used 'microsurgery' renovations. No unnecessary changes," venue deputy director Zhao Yu said, noting that energy-saving lights and permeable concrete reduced heat absorption and lowered carbon emissions.

The venue will next host the World Dance Sport Federation World Cup and World Open in September before becoming an affordable public sports hub.

"The venue will transform into a dance sport training base, where citizens can access professional facilities for as little as dozens of yuan," said Li Yuanyuan, head of competition at the venue. "The public will also be able to use the sports equipment for daily exercises like badminton and table tennis."

"We used to watch concerts here in the 1980s, but later it became an electronics market. Now it's reborn," recalled local resident Zhou Yan.

Temporary structures from the 2024 ITTF Mixed Team World Cup were repurposed for kickboxing and muaythai, reducing the need for new construction. Meanwhile, 15 outdoor venues were integrated into parks and waterways, minimizing environmental impact.

"I love competing here. The water is clear, the environment beautiful, and the arrangements excellent," said Chinese dragon boat athlete Peng Chun.

DRIVING INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCES

The Games also introduced new technology to improve both athlete and spectator experiences.

"For the first time in our history, we've launched a dedicated streaming platform, World Games Live, offering live and on-demand coverage of the events," Perurena said. "This brings The World Games to more people and more places than ever before."

IWGA Vice President Tom Dielen echoed the praise, calling the 12th edition "an exciting expansion into new territory."

"China has set incredibly high standards in organizing global multi-sport events," Dielen said. "The Olympic-level infrastructure, the first-ever torch relay for The World Games, and the reach of World Games Live are all strong signals of the organizing committee's commitment to elevate the event's global profile."

At the World Games Village, smart glasses provided real-time translation in 40 languages, robodogs hauled luggage, and autonomous pool cleaners maintained water quality at aquatic venues.

Among the competitions, drone racing stood out as the fastest spectacle, with athletes piloting drones at 160 km/h through FPV goggles. Much of the equipment was produced in China, reflecting the country's prominence in the drone industry.

"Chinese athletes performed very well at the last World Championships - amazing. They are smart competitors with a high level of skill. China is a leading country in the drone industry, and it's hard for other countries to match," said Bruno Delor, chairman of the World Air Sports Federation drone racing subcommittee.

Squash also drew attention with four blue glass courts, an innovation pioneered by Chinese manufacturers. World Squash Federation President Zena Wooldridge called the development a major step in making the sport more accessible.

"The venue is superb, with very high-quality courts," Wooldridge said. "The organization has been outstanding, as we've come to expect in China. Players are going home with wonderful memories of Chengdu."

"I've been coming to China since the 1980s, and I've seen tremendous changes," said Patrick Van Campenhout, vice president of the International Wushu Federation. "Many things can now be done through technology, such as digital systems and robotics. These innovations have brought our competitions to a high level, making them both convenient and safe."

FOSTERING FRIENDSHIP AND CULTURAL EXCHANGES

Beyond medals, the Games promoted friendship and cultural exchange. During the men's freestyle parkour finals, Italian competitor Andrea Consolini shouted encouragement to fellow athletes.

"Let's go, bro! Go!" he said, describing the event as a reunion of a global community. "We train together when we can and often talk on Instagram or WhatsApp."

Chinese freerunner Fu Sida echoed the sentiment, while American bronze medalist Shea Rudolph added: "Everybody here is part of the parkour community. We're so close - that's one of the best things about this sport."

Dutch tug-of-war athlete Vincent Wagenmans experienced his own moment of camaraderie when a message reading "Happy Birthday" suddenly appeared on the giant screen during competition, staff called out for his name and the entire crowd sang the birthday song. "Completely unexpected!" Wagenmans said.

The 13th edition of the World Games is scheduled to take place in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 2029, marking the city's second time hosting after 1989.