CHENGDU, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin declared the 12th edition of The World Games open Thursday night at the Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu, against a backdrop of the city skyline, tranquil lake waters and lush greenery.

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin declared open the 12th World Games in Chengdu, as athletes from 116 countries and regions gathered for the largest and most inclusive edition in history, blending world-class sport with rich cultural heritage under the slogan "Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders.

CHENGDU, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin declared the 12th edition of The World Games open Thursday night at the Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu, against a backdrop of the city skyline, tranquil lake waters and lush greenery.
Photo taken on Aug. 7, 2025 shows the general view of the opening ceremony of the Chengdu World Games. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Beneath the "Tianfu Roof" - Asia's largest single wooden structure, stretching 430 meters - around 10,000 spectators erupted in cheers as 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 Games.

The opening ceremony reached its climax when the final two torchbearers - Chinese waterskiers Xu Lu and Alu Xiaobo - glided across the water behind powerboats, carrying torches passed to them by snooker player Ding Junhui and Olympic and TWG trampoline champion Dong Dong. Xu and Alu then lit the main cauldron, designed as a water-shaped spout rising from the lake, as fireworks lit up the sky in a dazzling display.

As the largest-ever edition, the Chengdu World Games has attracted a record 6,679 athletes and officials from 116 countries and regions and the 3,942 athletes will compete in 256 events across 34 sports.

China has sent its largest-ever delegation: 489 members, including 321 athletes. The Chinese athletes, which has also included para-athletes for the first time, are competing in 152 events across 28 sports and making its debut in 12, including cheerleading, flying disc and powerboating.