Category: The World Games

 

The International World Games Association (IWGA), together with the Karlsruhe 2029 Organising Committee, is delighted to unveil the official logo, visual identity, and website for The World Games 2029. Developed in alignment with the IWGA brand framework and values, the Games will be hosted in Karlsruhe, Germany—marking the city’s second time as a host following the 1989 edition.

Located in the Baden-Württemberg region, Karlsruhe represents youth, modernity, and a strong passion for sport. Centrally positioned in Europe, the city is easily accessible from around the world, while its compact urban layout ensures short and comfortable distances between venues for athletes, spectators, and visitors alike. Karlsruhe promises a modern Games experience, supported by a population eager to welcome the world.

A temporary logo was first introduced during the flag handover at the closing ceremony of The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. The interim design—featuring a heart-shaped arrangement of angled coloured stripes alongside the year “2029” and the words “Karlsruhe, Germany”—was warmly received by athletes, locals, and visitors, becoming a popular backdrop for photos and selfies.

As with previous editions of The World Games, the new visual identity reflects both the host city’s character and the shared values of the IWGA. Building on the strong reception of the interim emblem, the official The World Games 2029 logo conveys a clear message: a return to Karlsruhe, in the heart of Europe, to celebrate sport, its athletes, and the values that unite us.

The logo design consists of a logomark and logotype. The logomark prominently incorporates the IWGA trademark “W,” underscoring the Games’ global identity. Its vibrant heart shape combines red and yellow—symbolising Karlsruhe—and blue, representing Europe, while evoking unity, positivity, and passion.

The logotype offers a modern interpretation of the 1989 version. Following the design tradition established between 2013 and 2025, the year precedes the host city’s name. The text is set in dark blue, providing a strong contrast to the bright, saturated logomark.

IWGA President José Perurena commented:

“The unveiling of the official logo and visual identity for The World Games 2029 marks an important milestone on the road to Karlsruhe. Building on the strong legacy of 1989, this modern and vibrant identity reflects the values of unity, passion, and excellence that define The World Games. We are confident that Karlsruhe will deliver an outstanding celebration of sport and leave a lasting legacy for the city, the region, and the global community of The World Games.”

Dr Frank Mentrup, Mayor of Karlsruhe and President of the LOC The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe GmbH, added:

“We are particularly proud to be the first city in the world to welcome athletes from over 100 countries to The World Games for the second time. With our new logo, we would like to extend a warm ‘Welcome back to the heart of Europe’. In the summer of 2029, everyone can look forward to excellent organisation, international openness, and strong connections between sport, the city, and society.”

The Corporate Identity Guidelines for the use of the logo are now available, and the official social media channels for The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe are being launched simultaneously:

• Instagram: @twg2029

• LinkedIn: The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe

For further information, media assets, and updates, please visit www.twg2029.com.

Lausanne, Switzerland – 4 February 2026 – The International World Games Association (IWGA) today announced the list of candidates standing for election to its Executive Committee (ExCo) for the 2026–2030 term. The elections will take place during the IWGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 April 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The ExCo elections represent a major governance milestone for the Association, as IWGA Members will elect the leadership team that will guide the organisation through the next four-year cycle. This period will include preparations for The World Games 2029, future editions of the event, several editions of The World Games Series, and continued collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and key stakeholders within the global sport movement.

Candidates for the IWGA Executive Committee 2026–2030

(Listed in alphabetical order)

President (1 position)

• Anna Arzhanova, President – World Underwater Federation (CMAS)

• Lukas Hinder, Honorary President – World DanceSport Federation (WDSF)

Vice-President (1 position)

• Jan Fransoo, Honorary President – International Korfball Federation (IKF)

• Thomas Konietzko, President – International Canoe Federation (ICF)

Treasurer (1 position)

• John Liljelund, Secretary General – International Floorball Federation (IFF)

Members (4 positions)

• Anna Arzhanova, President – World Underwater Federation (CMAS), if not elected as President

• Jan Fransoo, Honorary President – International Korfball Federation (IKF), if not elected as Vice-President

• John Liljelund, Secretary General – International Floorball Federation (IFF), if not elected as Treasurer

• Espen Lund, Vice President – World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO)

• José Antonio Perez Priego, President – International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF)

• Robert “Nob” Rauch, President – World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF)

• Joachim Thumfart, Director General – Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF)

• Joern Verleger, Honorary Executive Director – International Fistball Association (IFA)

All candidates have been vetted and comply with the provisions outlined in the IWGA Constitution.

The AGM in Lausanne will also mark the conclusion of José Perurena’s third and final term as IWGA President, ending 12 years of service following his initial election in 2014.

A former elite Canoe Sprint athlete, Perurena represented Spain at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. After his competitive career, he held numerous leadership roles within the Spanish Canoe Federation and the International Canoe Federation (ICF), including serving as ICF President from 2008 to 2021 and as a Member of the International Olympic Committee from 2011 to 2019.

Reflecting on the upcoming transition, President Perurena said:

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the IWGA for more than a decade, alongside dedicated colleagues and committed Member Federations. The World Games have continued to grow in visibility, credibility and institutional strength.”

“The IWGA Annual General Meeting is more than a statutory moment. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the role of the IWGA within the international sports ecosystem, our governance values, and our long-term vision for The World Games as a platform for the sports of tomorrow.”

“I am confident that the next Executive Committee will build on these foundations to further position our event within the global sports movement and establish our flagship event as a unique platform for emerging sports, innovation and international collaboration.”

The newly elected Executive Committee will take office following the conclusion of the AGM and will serve a four-year term from 2026 to 2030. The Committee will first convene on 25 May during the SportAccord Convention in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The International Racquetball Federation is proud to announce that Maria Jose Vargas has been selected as the racquetball nominee for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2025 award.

This prestigious recognition highlights outstanding athletes from The World Games Chengdu 2025, bringing together 30 world-class candidates from different sports. The final winner will be decided entirely by public voting, giving fans around the world the opportunity to support their favorite athletes.

How to Vote

Voting follows a specific format and will only be valid if all rules are respected:

• Voters must select two different candidates per voting session

• First choice: 2 votes

• Second choice: 1 vote

• Votes can be cast once every 24 hours

• Votes submitted for only one candidate will not be counted

Key Dates

• January 26, 12:00 GMT: Halfway elimination — only the Top 10 athletes advance to the final stage (all votes reset to zero)

• February 2, 12:00 GMT: Voting officially closes

Vote Now

Fans can cast their votes by visiting:
https://www.theworldgames.org/awards/Athlete-of-the-Year-2025-168

The IRF encourages the global racquetball community to participate, support Maria Jose Vargas, and help showcase racquetball on the world stage.

Racquetball athlete and 2022 World Games champion to continue representing athletes worldwide for a second consecutive term

The International World Games Association (IWGA) has announced that racquetball athlete Andrés Acuña, 2022 World Games champion, has been elected for a second consecutive term as a member of the Athletes’ Committee of The World Games.

The Athletes’ Committee serves as the official voice of competitors within the IWGA, ensuring that athletes’ perspectives, needs, and welfare are represented in decision-making processes. Its members are drawn from past participants of The World Games, with a balance across genders, sports, and continents.

Acuña’s re-election highlights his leadership and ongoing commitment to strengthening the role of athletes in shaping the future of The World Games. His international career, including his victory at the 2022 Games, and dedication to racquetball make him a valuable contributor to the Committee’s mission of promoting fair play, athlete welfare, and representation on a global scale.

With its newly appointed members, the Athletes’ Committee now reflects an even broader diversity across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania—strengthening its role as a platform where athletes worldwide can influence the future of The World Games.

The Racquetball Candidates, Alexandra Herrera and Montserrat Mejía 🇲🇽 won the women’s doubles World Racquetball Championships in 2024. Furthermore, they helped Team Mexico win the Women’s Team title with a doubles victory and two victories in singles for Mejía.

Will they become The World Games Athlete of the Year 2024?

VOTE EVERY DAY ON:
www.theworldgames.org/awards/Athlete-of-the-Year-2024-136

➡️Note that you need to give votes to TWO athletes: 2 votes to your first choice and 1 vote to your second choice.⬅️

Mexican racquetball stars Alexandra Herrera and Montserrat Mejía have been honoured as The World Games Athletes of the Month for August 2024 following their incredible performance at the Racquetball World Championships in San Antonio, Texas. The duo’s victory marks a significant milestone in their careers, and both athletes are filled with pride and excitement about what the future holds.

“I feel very happy to win this World Championship. The competition was difficult, but we did it,” said Herrera, reflecting on their hard-fought win. Her partner, Mejía, echoed the sentiment: “I feel very happy to win this World Championship, the competition was difficult, but we did it.”

Their road to success was not without challenges. Herrera overcame a serious injury just weeks before the event. “The hardest thing was that I broke my middle finger on 3rd July and the Championship started on 22nd August. I thought I wouldn’t recover in time, but I did, and Montse and I have a strong connection after playing together for nine years,” Herrera explained.

Their longstanding partnership has been key in navigating the challenges of the tournament. Herrera is known for her calm and precise shots, while Mejía is recognised for her speed and intensity. Herrera said, “Montse and I complement each other very well. She’s very fast and has a strong character, while I am a player with precise shots and a calmer approach. We are the perfect couple.”

Both athletes recall significant moments throughout the World Championship. “There were several moments. It’s the World Championship, everyone wants to win and gives their best game,” Mejía shared. “In some games, I get nervous or desperate, wanting to finish the game. But I worked a lot with sports psychology to face those situations.”

Looking ahead to 2025, the duo is eager for the chance to represent Mexico at The World Games in Chengdu, China. However, only one spot is available for female players, and they remain uncertain about who will represent the country. “We still don’t know who will represent Mexico at The World Games,” Herrera said. Mejía added, “Whoever goes, I know will give their all to put Mexico on the top of the podium.”

Mejía and Herrera are also considering their preparation strategies. Mejía noted, “If I get to go to TWG in Chengdu, my preparation would have to change. There are many things to improve, although I have improved a lot, there is always more to improve.”

In terms of competition, both athletes recognise the calibre of opponents they may face at The World Games.

“There are many good countries like Argentina, Guatemala, USA, and Bolivia. The matches in The World Games will be intense,” Herrera confessed.

 

Balancing the pressures of elite sport with personal life is also essential for both athletes. Herrera shared her approach: “My parents always taught me to be competitive on the court, but off the court, it’s another thing. I have very good friends from other countries, and when they beat me, I congratulate them. Obviously, I don’t like to lose, but sometimes it’s my turn. I accept it and try to improve on what I failed at.”

As role models, both athletes hope to inspire the next generation of racquetball players.

“I would tell them to never give up, always fight for their dreams,” Herrera said. Mejía reinforced this message, saying, “Sometimes things don’t go the way we want, but we must keep working to achieve our goals and objectives.”

With their eyes set on the future, Alexandra Herrera and Montserray Mejía continue to lead by example, showing the world what Mexican racquetball is capable of achieving.

The International World Games Association (IWGA) is a non-profit-making international sports organisation recognised and supported by the International Olympic Committee. The IWGA comprises 40 International Member Sports Federations. It administers and promotes The World Games (TWG), a multi-sport event held every four years that features around 35 sports on its programme. The next edition of TWG will be in Chengdu (CHN) from 7-17 August 2025. 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries are expected to take part in this 12th edition. The latest Games were hosted by Birmingham, Alabama (USA).

For more information, please contact the IWGA Media and Communication team: press@iwga.sport, Tel: +41 21 311 12 97, or visit our website.

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