Against the picturesque setting of lakes, greenery, dusk and starlight, it became “a globally shared celebration of culture and sports,“ according to Xu. “Honoring the true spirit of athletics, the ceremony beautifully captured both the thrill of competition and the joy of public engagement,“ he said.

　　A record 3,942 athletes from 116 countries and regions will participate in the sporting gala in 256 events across 34 sports including floorball, cheerleading, flying disc, powerlifting, archery, sport climbing, fistball and squash. The athlete roster spans generations, featuring a 68-year-old archer and a 13-yearold squash prodigy — a testament to the event's inclusive spirit.

　　Tom Dielen, vice-president of the International World Games Association, said: “The number reflects not only the growth of our games, but also the incredible diversity and talent that defines The World Games family.“

　　Dielen said the Chengdu games have achieved many “firsts“, noting that Chengdu organized the first-ever torch relay in the history of The World Games on July 26.

　　The 11-kilometer relay route spanned six cultural landmarks across the cities of Chengdu, Deyang and Meishan, connecting major cultural landmarks including the Sanxingdui and Jinsha ruins, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Meishan San Su Shrine Museum.

　　Dielen added that the Chengdu games stand out as the most sustainable edition, making use of 27 existing and renovated venues, both indoor and outdoor. “Chengdu has set a new standard in hosting the games,“ he said.

　　Jose Perurena, president of the IWGA, said that Chengdu was selected as host city due to its organizational capabilities including top-tier venues and efficient transportation systems. He noted that the city's preparations have surpassed all expectations and are poised to make history.