2025 World Games come to conclusion with Closing Ceremony in Chengdu

The 2025 World Games wrapped up 12 days of competition in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, marked by inclusiveness and innovation under the slogan "Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders" on Sunday.

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 ever. Participants from a record 83 delegations reached the podium, the most in the history of the event.

China topped the table with 36 gold, 17 silver, and 11 bronze medals. Germany finished second with 17, 14, and 14, while Ukraine rounded out the top three with 16, 14, and 14.

With the World Games taking place in the Chinese mainland for the first time, the host nation fielded its largest-ever delegation – 489 members including 321 athletes across 28 sports. In addition, the country broke new ground by entering 12 previously uncontested disciplines, including floorball and powerboating, while also integrating para athletes for the first time.

The Closing Ceremony celebrated the highlights of the 12th edition while also looking forward to the future. As a chorus of children sang "Auld Lang Syne," the main flame at distant Qinhuang Lake appeared on a giant screen, before gradually dimming to the melody of the song.

The 13th edition of the World Games will be held in Karlsruhe in 2029, which will mark the German city's second time hosting the competition after first doing so in 1989.