IWGA president hails Chengdu World Games for atmosphere, organization at midpoint

International World Games Association (IWGA) President Jose Perurena attends a press conference in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

IWGA President Jose Perurena lauded The Chengdu World Games 2025 for world-class organization, vibrant atmosphere, and record-setting standards.

CHENGDU, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- International World Games Association (IWGA) President Jose Perurena expressed high praise for the ongoing Chengdu World Games at a mid-Games press conference here on Monday.

"We are extremely pleased with how the Games have unfolded so far. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), volunteers, and our partners have done an outstanding job," said Perurena. "The atmosphere has been electric, with strong attendance, world-class competition, and truly inspiring sport performances."

Perurena receives an interview in Chengdu, Aug. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

The IWGA chief noted that the world-class venues, efficient transportation network, warmth of local people, and food and operations in the Athletes' Village had left a deep impression on him.

"We can feel the deep expertise and professionalism of our Chinese hosts, which gives us great confidence for the second half of the Games," Perurena added.

He again praised the opening ceremony: "It is an experience none of us will forget and it has set a new standard for the rest of The World Games' history."

IWGA vice president Tom Dielen highlighted the unique identity of The World Games that sets them apart from other multi-sport events.

Perurena delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the Chengdu World Games, on Aug. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

"One of the most distinctive features is that athletes are managed by their International Federations (IFs), rather than by National/regional Olympic Committees (NOCs) or National/regional Sports Organizations (NSOs) as in most other major events," Dielen noted.

"This sport-driven model allows us to streamline communication and decision-making. IWGA works directly with each sport's IF, which brings deep expertise in its technical rules, competition formats, and athlete development," he further explained. "As a result, technical requirements, competition schedules, and athlete services can be tailored with precision."

Dielen also spoke highly of the work of the LOC, which collaborates closely with the IFs under IWGA guidance to ensure venue readiness, equipment standards, and training facilities at the highest international benchmarks.