World Games 2025 Sports Lineup & Medal Events Preview

The World Games 2025, set to take place in Chengdu from 7–17 August, features a dynamic mix of 34 sports, 60 disciplines, and 256 medal events across both Olympic and non‑Olympic sports. This edition emphasizes inclusivity, debut sports, and accessibility for para-athletes. Here’s what to expect:

Full List of Included Sports

The 2025 Sports Programme comprises a highly diverse and evolving roster with new additions and long-standing disciplines. Key highlights include:

Cheerleading (Pom) – Making its debut in the World Games program

Powerboating – MotoSurf (men’s, women’s, and mixed team) debuts here with three events at Sancha Lake

Para Ju‑jitsu and Para Freediving – Inclusive sports debuting this year

Returning disciplines: air sports (including drone racing), ballroom-style dancing, floorball, ultimate (flying disc), squash, wushu, sambo, duathlon, tug of war, and more

These additions reflect IWGA’s “Growth Beyond Excellence” strategy to evolve the program with new formats and inclusivity in mind.

New & Debuted Sports

Powerboating (MotoSurf)

• Venue: Ma’anshan Arena, Sancha Lake
   
• Dates: 15–17 August
   
• Events: Two individual (men’s & women’s) plus one mixed “Nations Cup” team event
   
• Competitors: 43 athletes from 15 nations
   

Cheerleading – Pom Discipline

• Venue: Longquanyi Gymnasium
   
• Added for its vibrancy and growing global popularity
   

Para Ju-jitsu & Para Freediving

Para Ju‑jitsu introduced alongside traditional Ju‑jitsu in the Jianyang Gymnasium from 10–12 August. Sitting alongside freediving (underwater sports), para freediving runs 10–11 August at Sancha Lake Natatorium, each offering events for athletes with various impairments.

Core Sports & Disciplines (34 total)

Some of the standout sports and divisions include Air Sports (Drone Racing), American Football (Flag Football), Archery (Field & Target), Billiards Sports (Carom, Pool, Snooker), Boules (Lyonnaise, Pétanque), Canoe Sports (Dragon Boat, Marathon, Polo), DanceSport (Breaking, Latin, Standard), Fistball, Floorball, Flying Disc (Disc Golf, Ultimate), Gymnastics (Acrobatic, Aerobic, Parkour, Trampoline), Kickboxing, Karate (Kata, Kumite), Korfball (Beach & Indoor), Lacrosse Sixes (Women), Lifesaving, Muaythai, Racquetball, Softball (Finals), Roller Sports (Speed, Freestyle, Inline disciplines), Underwater Sports (Finswimming, Freediving), Wushu, Sambo, Team Tug of War, Dragon Boat, Duathlon, Cheerleading and more.

Medal Events Breakdown

Sport Category	Notable Highlights & Medal Events
New Sports	Powerboating, Cheerleading, Para Ju‑jitsu, Para Freediving
Martial Arts	Karate (Kata & Kumite), Kickboxing, Muaythai
Team Sports	Lacrosse Sixes (Women), Floorball, Tug of War
Precision & Skill	Archery, Billiards, Boules, Racquetball
Extreme & Trend	Parkour, Drone Racing, Inline Roller freestyle
Aquatic Sports	Dragon Boating, Canoe disciplines, Lifesaving
Gymnastics	Acrobatic, Trampoline, Aerobic Dance, Parkour
Underwater Sports	Freediving, Finswimming
Dance & Performance	DanceSport (Breaking, Latin, Standard), Cheerleading (Pom)

Overall, 256 medal events spread across 60 disciplines represent a broad and inclusive competitive slate.

Highlights & Strategic Focus

• Inclusivity First: Introduction of four new sports and increased para disciplines underline the spirit of inclusivity.
   
• Cultural Integration: Traditional Chinese favorites like Dragon Boat and Wushu gain prominence, reflecting host-city values and spectator interest.
   
• Innovation & Youth Appeal: Disc Golf, Drone Racing, Parkour draw younger audiences with high-energy formats.
   
• Adaptation & Strategy: WIB’s focus on medalling in emerging sports may redefine national team strategies, particularly where traditional Olympic sports are already saturated.

Summary & Final Thoughts

The World Games 2025 sports lineup offers a vibrant and strategically curated blend of sports: 34 sports, 60 disciplines, and 256 medal events. With powerboating, cheerleading, para ju-jitsu, and para freediving introduced for the first time, the edition seeks to push the boundaries of inclusivity and innovation.

Whether you're into acrobatics, martial arts, underwater feats, team sports, or extreme disciplines—the World Games 2025 is set to deliver unmatched variety and excitement.