Global sports stars Victor Crouin of France and Australia's Yolanda Schmidt have voiced enthusiastic anticipation for the 2025 Chengdu World Games during an exclusive discussion with Sports Scene. The event, set to take place in Sichuan Province from August 7-17, marks western China's largest international sporting gathering since the 2023 Chengdu Universiade.
Champions Embrace Competition and Culture
Crouin, the reigning squash champion, emphasized his determination to defend his title while immersing himself in Chengdu's local culture. "Competing here isn't just about the game – it's about connecting with passionate fans and discovering the city's heartbeat," he remarked, hinting at plans to explore Sichuan's culinary and cultural landmarks.
Building Bridges Through Sport
Schmidt, a three-time Muay Thai world champion, highlighted the unique camaraderie of multi-sport events. "The World Games let us break out of our athletic silos," she said, revealing plans to enroll in a Sichuan cooking class during her stay. "Food, like sports, transcends boundaries – I want to bring these flavors back home."
Historic Scale and Scope
The 12th World Games will feature 255 events across 34 sports, including emerging disciplines like drone racing and parkour. With 60 competition venues repurposed from the Universiade infrastructure, the event underscores Chengdu's growing profile as a global sports hub.
Organizers anticipate the Games will further boost international interest in western China's economic and cultural development while showcasing sustainable event management practices.
