The torch for The World Games (TWG) 2025 Chengdu, named Zhumeng (lit: Bamboo Dream in Chinese) Photo: VCG

With the 12th World Games set to kick off on August 7 in Chengdu, preparations for the torch relay, opening ceremony, and Chinese athletes' participation are entering their final stage.

The torch relay route will highlight the cultural and natural richness of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, connecting ancient Shu civilization with modern park-city aesthetics. The flame will pass through iconic locations including the Sanxingdui Museum, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinsha Site Museum, Wuhou Shrine, San Su Shrine, and Xinglong Lake, the Global Times confirmed.

Wang Gen, chief director of the torch relay, said each site will feature interactive performances. At the San Su Shrine, actors playing the ancient literati trio of Su Xun and his sons Su Shi and Su Zhe will appear alongside 100 local students in a choral performance. At the Wuhou Shrine, known for its strong Three Kingdoms legacy, figures like Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhuge Liang will be brought to life through Sichuan Opera during a drum performance. 

"In this culturally symbolic site, we'll use drums to cheer for athletes ahead of the Games," Wang told the Global Times.

An innovative ignition ceremony will also take place at the Sanxingdui Museum using a rotating platform engraved with motifs of the Golden Sun Bird and a solar wheel - emblems of local Shu culture. As the platform rotates, the flame will be lit. At the same time, 44 students will perform the official Games anthem, "Zhumeng [Lit: chasing dreams]," setting the tone for the relay.

Besides this, the opening ceremony is set to be held on August 7 at the "Tianfu Eaves" area of the Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu's Tianfu New Area. Deputy director Zhang Qing said the show will break from tradition by integrating sports with street dance in what the organizers call a "cultural-sports performance."

"Street dance is like a passport for young people globally. It lets everyone show their individuality," Zhang said. "We're using artistic expression to interpret the Games' theme 'Endless sports, vibrant atmosphere.'"

According to local media reports, the performance will feature hundreds of young street dancers and professional athletes. Among them is Meng Chuanxu, a dance major at Southwest Minzu University who will play a "rapping figurine" in a segment titled Splendid Rhythms. 

"It's funny and full of life," Meng said. "The moves blend modern dance with break dance, and the mood reminds me of Chengdu - a relaxed and energetic city."

The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes, with around 15 minutes dedicated to artistic performances. Notably, this will also be the first time in World Games history that the torch-lighting ceremony is included at the opening.

Meanwhile, Chinese teams are finalizing preparations across various events. Although the World Games primarily focus on non-Olympic sports, this edition will still feature some events with Olympic ties - flag football being one of them.

"This is our first international appearance," said Jin Hongwen, secretary-general of the Chinese Rugby Football Association, at a press conference. 

"It marks a breakthrough for China in this new Olympic discipline," according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Twelve athletes were selected from a 22-member training squad. 

"We're not chasing medals this time. It's about learning and gaining experience for future Olympic qualification," Jin told the Global Times. 

China will face strong competition in the women's-only event, including teams like Austria, who finished fourth in the last World Championships. The matches will be held on August 14-17.

In roller sports, China will send 24 athletes to compete in three events: speed skating, freestyle skating, and inline hockey.

According to Wei Yong, secretary-general of the China Roller Sports Association, freestyle slalom is among the strongest events for China. The goal is to secure two gold medals in freestyle and aim for two more in speed slalom.

"Our team has a strong mix of veterans and young talent," Wei said. Among the veterans is 34-year-old Guo Dan, the oldest athlete of the team. A former world champion in speed skating, Guo had transitioned to ice and competed in two Winter Olympics before returning to roller sports. Rising stars such as Zhang Hao, a world champion born in the 2000s, and Asian Games gold medalist Zhu Siyu, round out a well-balanced squad.

With several top-eight teams worldwide set to compete, Wei emphasized the value of real competition experience: "We're focused on learning, improving, and representing China on the world stage."

The 12th World Games will run from August 7 to 17 in Chengdu, with athletes from across the globe competing in a wide range of non-Olympic and newly recognized sports.