A promotional event of the World Games is held in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province on April 29, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of organizers

With under 100 days until the 12th World Games opens in Chengdu on August 7, organizers announced on Tuesday that preparations are are on track, highlighting sustainability and cultural exchange.

The capital city of Southwest China's Sichuan Province prioritized cost-effective solutions for its 27 competition venues, with 18 existing facilities and temporarily constructing nine in lakeside or park areas, with no new permanent venues built. 

"We adhered to the principle of 'modifying rather than building' and minimized equipment purchases by borrowing or renting wherever possible," said Chengdu Mayor Wang Fengchao at Tuesday's news conference. 

The Games will feature 34 sports, 60 disciplines, and 255 events across eight districts. Twenty-one venue teams are in place, and 25 test events have been conducted to refine operations.

For the first time in World Games history, a torch relay will kick off on July 26, beginning with a flame-lighting ceremony at the Sanxingdui Museum. 

The 11-kilometer route will pass through iconic Chengdu sites like Jinsha Site Museum, the Giant Panda Base, and Wuhou Temple, with 120 torchbearers -- including athletes and workers -- who will be unveiled by June. 

Cultural experiences will take center stage, featuring art exhibitions, intangible cultural heritage workshops for Shu embroidery and shadow puppetry. 

China's delegation, consisting of around 330 athletes across 28 sports, will be its largest ever and include disabled athletes competing in free-diving and archery. 

Chengdu is fostering a "World Games buzz" with 130 community sports spaces offering trendy activities such as parkour and frisbee, alongside 77 newly built sports parks and 407 neighborhood fitness corners. 

More than 11,000 mass sports events held in 2024 attracted 40 million participants, and the city is promoting "sports + tourism" routes connecting pandas, historic streets, and modern landmarks.

"Sports events are a new engine driving consumption," noted Wang. "We invite the world to experience Chengdu's unique blend of sports, culture, and innovation."