The countdown is on: From August 7 to 17, 2025, the Chinese city of Chengdu will be all about international sport. For one and a half weeks, the 12th edition of the World Games will take place in the capital of Sichuan province. 35 sports will be part of next year’s World Games – including the men’s and women’s fistball competitions.

Planning for the event is already in full swing. In spring, the International Fistball Association, represented by Sports Director Gastao Englert and IFA Head of Events Sönke Spille, visited China, among other things to inspect the sports venue for the fistball competitions in Tianfu Park. “The organizers will build four fistball courts here especially for the World Games,” explains Sports Director Englert. “Numerous employees were present during the on-site inspection in order to fulfill all the technical requirements for the World Games.” The plan is for the pitches to be completed by the end of 2024 and therefore ready for use from spring 2025. “We will have two main pitches, including a center court with stands right next to the pitch. This guarantees an excellent atmosphere,” says Sönke Spille with conviction.

As in Birmingham two years ago, the athletes will be accommodated in an athletes’ village with over 5,000 beds. “The buildings are all completely new, and there are many park-like retreats. Here, all athletes can prepare perfectly for their upcoming games, recharge their batteries – and come into contact with other athletes from a huge variety of sports and nations,” says Spille.

Following the successful premiere in 2022, there will also be a women’s fistball competition in Chengdu – with an increased field of eight teams. This means that a total of 16 fistball teams will take part in China – more than ever before in the history of the World Games. The fistball competitions are scheduled from Saturday, August 9, to Wednesday, August 13. With Germany (women), Germany, Austria, Brazil and Switzerland (men), five participating teams have already been confirmed for Chengdu. On August 7, all athletes will have the opportunity to take part in the opening ceremony. Spille: “We are convinced that the World Games 2025 will be a great event that will create great memories for all athletes.”