This August, Chengdu – the vibrant capital of Sichuan province on the Chinese mainland – will host The World Games 2023, showcasing cable wakeboarding and other emerging sports eyeing future Olympic recognition. The event, running from August 18-28, brings together 3,600 athletes from 100 countries and regions to compete in 35 non-Olympic disciplines.
Cable wakeboarding – where athletes perform aerial tricks while towed by an overhead cable system – has emerged as a crowd favorite during preparations. Its inclusion highlights China's growing influence in shaping global sports trends through state-of-the-art facilities like Chengdu's newly built water sports complex.
While the Games feature established sports like sumo and lifesaving, organizers emphasize their role as an innovation lab for athletic disciplines. 'Events like these help us understand global interest in newer sports,' said a spokesperson from the International World Games Association.
For business analysts, the event underscores Chengdu's development as a southwestern economic hub, with improved transportation networks and hospitality infrastructure attracting international attention. Cultural observers note the Games' timing coincides with Sichuan's peak tourism season, offering visitors a blend of elite sports and regional heritage experiences.
