Chengdu made history on Thursday as Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin declared the 12th World Games open at a vibrant ceremony in the Tianfu International Convention Center. For the first time since its 1981 inception, this prestigious event showcasing 35 non-Olympic sports has come to the Chinese mainland.
The opening spectacle blended Sichuan's cultural heritage with futuristic visuals, featuring face-changing opera performers and drone formations depicting pandas – a nod to the province's ecological treasures. Shen emphasized the Games' role in 'building bridges through athletic excellence,' while organizers revealed over 4,000 athletes from 110 countries and regions will compete.
A highlight came days earlier when the Games' torch relay illuminated the Sanxingdui Museum's bronze relics, where 120 torchbearers traced 4,000 years of Chinese civilization. 'This fusion of ancient wisdom and modern sport captures China's dynamic spirit,' remarked cultural historian Dr. Li Wei in an interview with KhabarAsia.
Business analysts note the event could boost Chengdu's tech-driven economy, with the city already attracting $2.3 billion in sports-related investments since 2022. The Games run through August 5, featuring emerging sports like drone racing alongside traditional favorites like wushu.
