A Celebration of Culture and Sport at the 12th World Games

The 12th World Games commenced with an opening ceremony that showcased Chengdu's rich cultural heritage alongside impressive firework displays. State Councilor Shen Yiqin officially declared the event open, welcoming global audiences.

The opening ceremony featured dazzling fireworks that enhanced the excitement. The pyrotechnics incorporated symbolic elements, including a luminous rainbow bridge, ancient Chinese seal characters representing "Chengdu," and floral fireworks symbolizing all previous host cities of The World Games. The chief designer of the fireworks display explained that these elements represented Chengdu's warm welcome and its blend of ancient heritage and modern openness.

The ceremony took place beneath Asia's largest freestanding wooden structure. Spectators enjoyed a unique lawn seating experience, where urban sports culture was presented through performances like breakdancing, frisbee, and roller-skating, alongside a parade of athletes. The ceremony was described as a dynamic, multicultural celebration that combined sport, children's voices, a creative flame-lighting ritual, and breathtaking fireworks.

The event is a globally shared celebration of culture and sports, capturing the thrill of competition and the joy of public engagement. A record number of athletes from numerous countries and regions will participate in the sporting events, spanning a wide range of sports and featuring athletes of various ages.

The Chengdu games have achieved several "firsts," including the first-ever torch relay in the history of The World Games. The relay route connected major cultural landmarks across multiple cities. The Chengdu games are also the most sustainable edition, utilizing existing and renovated venues.

Chengdu was selected as the host city due to its organizational capabilities, including top-tier venues and efficient transportation systems. The city's preparations have exceeded expectations.

China's B-girl Liu Qingyi, a bronze medalist in breakdancing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was one of the flag bearers for the opening ceremony. She will also compete in the breaking event, aiming to promote the sport and inspire Chinese youth. She highlighted the competitive nature of breaking and the importance of cultural exchanges in the sport's progress.