Lausanne, Switzerland – 25 April 2026 – During its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 25 April 2026 at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, the International World Games Association (IWGA) elected its new President for the 2026–2030 term. Anna Arzhanova was elected as the fourth President in the Association’s history, receiving 29 votes from IWGA members and securing strong support from the international sports federations that make up the organisation. All 39 member federations were represented in Lausanne and participated in the vote, underlining the IWGA membership’s strong engagement and commitment to the Association.
The newly elected President succeeds José Perurena, who has led the organisation since 2014, completing a 12-year mandate marked by significant growth and consolidation of The World Games movement.
Anna Arzhanova from Serbia and Russia was first elected in 2014 to the IWGA Executive Committee. She served three terms as IWGA ExCo Member (until 2026).
Mrs Arzhanova has played a prominent role in the governance of international sport, particularly in the field of underwater sports. Since 2013, she has served as President of the World Underwater Sports Federation (CMAS), following eight years as a member of its Board of Directors from 2005 to 2013. She has also held the position of Vice President of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF) since 2017, after previously serving as a Council Member from 2015 onward. Since 2023, she has additionally been a member of the SportAccord Executive Committee as the ARISF representative. Through these leadership roles, she has made a significant contribution to the development and international recognition of underwater sports and IOC-recognised federations.
With this election, the IWGA enters a new chapter in its leadership history. The organisation has now been led by four Presidents since its establishment:
- Dr. Kim Un-Yong (1980–1992)
- Ron Froehlich (1992–2014), Honorary Life President
- José Perurena López (2014–2026), Honorary President
- Anna Arzhanova (2026–2030)
The full composition of the IWGA Executive Committee was also elected during the AGM as follows:
Vice-President: Jan Fransoo (International Korfball Federation -IKF)
Treasurer: John Liljelund (International Floorball Federation -IFF)
Members: Espen Lund (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations – WAKO), Nob Rauch (World Flying Disc Federation- WFDF), Antonio Pérez Priego (International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation – IWWF), Joachim Thumfart (Ju-Jitsu International Federation- JJIF), Sandra Sánchez* (Athletes Committee Chair)
*The nine members of the Athletes Committee elected Sandra Sánchez as Chair for the 2025-2029 term in October 2025. As Chair, Ms Sánchez also serves as a member of the IWGA Executive Committee, ensuring that the voice of athletes is represented at the highest level of decision-making within the IWGA.
The outgoing President, José Perurena, was warmly thanked by the membership for his leadership and long-standing contribution to the development of The World Games and the IWGA’s global standing. He was also honoured with the title of IWGA Honorary President in recognition of his service and impact on the organisation.
Vice-President since 2023, Tom Dielen was not re-elected to the IWGA ExCo, but was warmly thanked for his outstanding contribution and long-standing service to the organisation. Prior to this role, he was a member of the ExCo from 2006 to 2018.
Newly elected IWGA President Anna Arzhanova stated:
“I am deeply honoured to be elected as President of the IWGA. I would like to sincerely thank José Perurena for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the past 12 years, which have significantly strengthened The World Games and the global standing of our organisation.
In today’s highly competitive international sports landscape, The World Games play an increasingly important role as both a catalyst and a stepping stone — strengthening the long-term relevance of our event within the Olympic and global sports movement.
Together with our Members, athletes and partners, we will continue to position The World Games as a unique platform for emerging sports, innovation and international collaboration. The future of sport is built through vision, trustand partnership.”
Outgoing President José Perurena said:
“I would like to extend my warm congratulations to my successor Anna Arzhanova on her election and wish her every success in this important role. The IWGA is in a strong position, and I am confident it will continue to thrive under the new leadership.
It has been an honour to serve the IWGA and to work alongside our Member Federations in strengthening The World Games Movement. I am proud of what we have achieved together and confident that the organisation will continue to grow in the years ahead.”
International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sports Director Pierre Ducrey, who also addressed the AGM, presented the latest IOC programme “Fit for the Future” and underlined the importance of the IWGA within the wider Olympic Movement:
“The IOC and IWGA share many of the same challenges in delivering major events, and it’s great to be able to come together, share information and collaborate. You have in the IOC a solid partner—an organisation that wants to work closely with you, as we share the same mission and the same type of events to deliver.”
Source: Theworldgames.org
