The World Games 2029 Sports Programme unveiled

Lausanne, Switzerland – 25 April 2026 – The International World Games Association (IWGA) has right this moment formally unveiled the Sports Programme for The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe, Germany, following its ratification by IWGA Members on the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. 

This milestone resolution confirms the primary group of sports activities that may characteristic at The World Games, marking a major step on the highway to Karlsruhe, the place the worldwide sporting group will collect from 19 to 29 July 2029. Around 4,000 athletes from greater than 100 nations are anticipated to compete in one of many world’s largest multi-sport occasions. 

The Sports Programme, accepted by the IWGA Executive Committee and ratified by the IWGA Members, displays the organisation’s dedication to range, innovation and sustainability. It combines widespread, rising and conventional disciplines, whereas prioritising the usage of current venues and integrating a restricted variety of non permanent websites within the coronary heart of the host metropolis. 

The sports activities confirmed on this first section provide a broad and thrilling showcase of The World Games Movement. 

LIST OF SPORTS (alphabetical order) 

Air Sports – tbc 

American Football 

Archery 

Billiards 

Boules Sports 

Canoe 

Cheerleading 

Climbing 

DanceSport 

Fistball 

Floorball 

Flying Disc 

Gymnastics 

Handball 

Hockey 

Ju-Jitsu 

Karate 

Kickboxing 

Korfball 

Lacrosse 

Life Saving 

Muaythai 

Orienteering 

Powerlifting 

Roller Sports 

Squash 

Sumo 

Tug of War 

Underwater Sports 

Waterski/Wakeboard 

Wushu 

Additional sports activities into account, pending additional closing IWGA ExCo approval by 1 July 2026: 

Baseball/Softball 

Bowling 

Racquetball 

Sambo 

A second section later in 2026 will full the programme, together with the announcement of disciplines and medal occasions, collection of further disciplines chosen by the host and the inclusion of para-sports.  

Outgoing IWGA President José Perurena, whose time period concludes right this moment, mirrored on the importance of the second: 

“The approval of the sports programme by our Members is always a defining step for each edition of The World Games. I am proud to see a programme that reflects our values of diversity, excellence and innovation, and I am confident that Karlsruhe 2029 will be a remarkable celebration of sport.” 

The newly elected President of the IWGA, Anna Arzhanova, welcomed the ratification: 

“The ratification of the Sports Programme by our Members right this moment is greater than a milestone — it’s a clear assertion of our imaginative and prescient for The World Games. This programme displays the range, innovation and international relevance of our motion. 

In right this moment’s extremely aggressive worldwide sports activities panorama, The World Games play an important position as a catalyst and a stepping stone — strengthening the long-term relevance of our occasion inside the Olympic and international sports activities motion. 

Together, we are going to proceed to place The World Games as a novel platform for rising sports activities, innovation and worldwide collaboration. The way forward for sport is constructed by means of imaginative and prescient, belief and partnership.” 

IWGA Sports Director Sebastian Garvens mentioned:  

“The Sports Programme for Karlsruhe 2029 brings together the very best of what The World Games stand for: sporting excellence, innovation and the opportunity for athletes and sports to grow on the world stage. We have selected a programme that is dynamic and balanced, combining established sports with emerging disciplines and ensuring that every athlete can compete in an environment worthy of their talent. Karlsruhe will offer a world-class stage for sport and will help shape the future direction of The World Games.” 

IWGA Athletes Committee Chair Sandra Sánchez mentioned:  

“For athletes, the Sports Programme is the heart of The World Games. It represents years of dedication, ambition and dreams, and it gives athletes from around the world the chance to compete at the highest level and inspire new generations. The programme for Karlsruhe 2029 reflects the diversity and energy of our community, and I know the athletes are excited to be part of an event that celebrates both the best of sport and the unique spirit of The World Games.” 

Karlsruhe’s Lord Mayor, Dr Frank Mentrup, who attended the assembly in Lausanne with a small delegation in his capability as President of the Organising Committee for The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe, additionally expressed his satisfaction:

“With The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe, we want to send a clear message about the strong connection between sport and society. The sports selected here are an excellent way of achieving this. I am particularly looking forward to sport climbing against the backdrop of our impressive city, flying disc at the Carl-Kaufmann-Stadion, and our ‘short-distance’ Games.” 

To go to the official The World Games 2029 web site, comply with: www.twg2029.com