The 2025 Chengdu World Games closed with a bang this weekend, but not before dropping some exciting news for martial arts and traditional sports fans! ๐ Organizers confirmed that wushu (Chinese martial arts) and dragon boat racing will keep their spots as official competitive sports in future World Gamesโa win for cultural diversity in global athletics. ๐โจ
Breaking Records, Winning Hearts
This yearโs Games saw athletes from 81 countries and regions snag 233 gold medals, with 18 world records shattered. Events like gymnastics, Muay Thai, and wushu drew packed crowds, proving once again that niche sports can be *just* as hype as mainstream ones. ๐ฅ๐ฅ
U.S. cheerleader Alison Hoeft summed up the vibe: "Chengduโs energy was next-levelโboth on the field and off!" ๐คโค๏ธ
Whatโs Next for the World Games?
Chengdu, now a rising star in the global sports scene, passed the torch to Karlsruhe, Germany, which will host the 2029 edition. But the real legacy? Keeping traditions alive while breaking new ground. As IWGA President Jose Perurena put it: "These sports connect us across culturesโand thatโs a medal worth chasing." ๐ถ๐ซ
Reference(s):
Wushu, dragon boat racing to remain competitive sports at World Games
cgtn.com







