Opening Ceremony officially gets 2025 World Games underway in Chengdu

A crowd of 10,000 participants and spectators on the Tianfu Eaves erupted into cheers as Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin, joined by International World Games Association (IWGA) President Jose Perurena and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board Member Li Lingwei, officially opened the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Thursday.

This year's edition marks the first time for the Chinese mainland to host the World Games, a multi-sport event showcasing competitions that are not (or not yet) included in the Olympics.

The curtain raiser reached its climax when the final two torchbearers, Chinese waterskiers Xu Lu and Alu Xiaobo, jointly lit the main cauldron.

The gala performance, titled "Splendor Woven Together," featured four Chinese dance acts that highlighted traditional cultural elements, including the Sun and Immortal Birds, rapping figurines, the Twenty-Four Musical Performers, and Sichuan Opera face-changing. The show repeatedly emphasized the unique cultural inclusiveness of the Bashu region.

"When we selected these elements, we actually primarily considered two perspectives – the viewpoint of the domestic audience, and that of the international audience. It was only by striking a balance between these two perspectives, that we could guarantee that both groups would experience the desired emotional connection, while watching the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Chengdu World Games," said Hu Xiao, General Director of the Opening Ceremony.

The evening concluded with a soothing musical finale, as the performers were joined by an international children's choir in singing the World Games theme song, "Countless Wonders," while showcasing the spirit of global unity and celebration that is meant to defines the event.