China's delegation has chosen rising acrobatics star Shi Jingwei and decorated roller sports athlete Guo Dan as flagbearers for Thursday's opening ceremony of the 2025 World Games in Chengdu. The announcement highlights China's commitment to excellence across both traditional and emerging sports disciplines.
At just 22 years old, Shi represents a new generation of Chinese athletes making waves in global competitions. His team's gold medal victory at the 2024 Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships ended China's 25-year wait to reclaim the title, showcasing the country's renewed focus on artistic sports.
Veteran athlete Guo Dan brings Olympic-level experience to the role, having competed in both the 2018 and 2022 Winter Games. The 34-year-old Beijing resident holds the distinction of being China's first triple-crown winner in roller sports, with titles from the World Championships, World Cup, and previous World Games.
A record 321 Chinese athletes will parade through the 'Tianfu Eaves' urban gallery during the ceremony, marking Chengdu's debut as host of this major international event. The competition is expected to draw significant attention to China's southwestern region as both a sports hub and cultural destination.
