This photo taken on April 29, 2025 shows a countdown clock marking 100 days to go for the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chengdu marked the 100-day countdown to the 12th World Games on Tuesday, with preparations for the international multi-sport event progressing steadily and competition schedules largely finalized. Softball and slow-pitch hockey events are set to begin one day before the official opening ceremony.
At a news conference in Beijing, Li Jing, vice-chair of the World Games Chengdu 2025 Organizing Committee and deputy director of the General Administration of Sport of China, announced that the Games will feature 34 major events, 60 sub-events, and 255 minor events. A total of 27 competition venues have been arranged across eight zones in Chengdu, with teams for 21 of those venues already in place.
In terms of services and logistics, two athlete villages have been established. A comprehensive support system has been developed to enhance the experience of athletes and guests, covering areas such as protocol, arrivals and departures, transportation, accommodation, and medical care.
Nearly 10,000 university students have been trained as volunteers, and more than 500 volunteer service stations are being deployed throughout the city to assist during the Games.
China has qualified for 28 major events and 152 minor events at the Games. The national delegation is expected to include about 330 athletes, making it the largest and most wide-ranging Chinese team to participate in the World Games to date, according to Li.
"The delegation includes professional athletes as well as representatives from universities, enterprises, clubs, and disabled athletes selected by the China Disabled Persons' Federation. These athletes will compete in events such as freediving, jiu-jitsu and archery, offering a broad display of China's achievements in non-Olympic sports," Li said.
Chengdu Mayor Wang Fengchao said that in line with principles of efficiency and frugality, the city has avoided large-scale new construction. Of the 27 competition venues, 18 are existing facilities that have been adapted for the Games, while nine are temporary structures built within park environments.
"In meeting event requirements, we have followed the principle of 'borrowing over renting, renting over buying,' to minimize the cost of equipment procurement," Wang said.
The Games will also feature the first-ever torch relay in World Games history. The relay will be held on July 26 and span one day. It will begin with a flame-lighting ceremony at the Sanxingdui Museum and continue through five symbolic locations in Chengdu. The 11-kilometer route will involve 120 torchbearers.
Organizers said the Games will not only be a celebration of sport, but also a platform for cultural exchange. A series of cultural activities will be held to welcome international guests and foster people-to-people exchanges.
According to Yang Xingping, vice-governor of Sichuan province, events will be organized to promote international understanding and cooperation in areas including culture, education, and sports.
In addition, Chengdu is preparing a series of themed cultural and tourism routes for athletes and guests. These routes will connect major attractions such as the panda base, Taikoo Li shopping district, and the historic Wide and Narrow Alleys, allowing visitors to experience the city's cultural heritage, vibrant urban life, and green spaces.
With preparations nearing completion, Chengdu is set to welcome the world with a spirit of openness, sustainability, and innovation as the 12th World Games approaches.
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