KARLSRUHE, September 4 — The International World Games Association and Karlsruhe’s local organizing committee have confirmed the sports programme for the 2029 edition of The World Games, set to take place in the German city in July 2029. The confirmed lineup features a wide array of disciplines not typically seen in the Olympic Games, including acrobatic gymnastics, aerobic gymnastics, parkour, trampoline, and tumbling.
Also included are archery, billiards sports such as carom, pool, and snooker, boules, bowling, canoe polo, casting, dance sport, darts, fistball, floorball, flying disc, inline hockey, ju-jitsu, karate, kickboxing, korfball, lacrosse for both men and women, lifesaving, muaythai, netball, orienteering, powerlifting, racquetball, and roller sports covering artistic skating, inline downhill, inline speed skating, roller derby, and skateboarding. Additional sports on the programme are rugby sevens, sport climbing, squash, sumo, surfing, tug of war, underwater sports, waterski and wakeboard, and wushu.
The International World Games Association noted that several invitational sports will be included, with details to be announced at a later date. This will be the twelfth edition of The World Games, held every four years in the year following the Summer Olympics. The previous edition took place in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2022.
Karlsruhe was selected as host city by the International World Games Association in 2023, and the sports programme was developed in consultation with international federations and the local organizing committee. The organizers emphasized that the aim is to showcase sports that appeal to a global audience while maintaining the event’s tradition of featuring non-Olympic disciplines.
The World Games are recognized by the International Olympic Committee and are supported by the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity program. Thousands of athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to compete in over 30 sports. Venues across Karlsruhe will include existing sports facilities and temporary venues constructed for the event.
The local committee stressed a focus on sustainability and legacy, aiming to leave lasting benefits for the city’s sports infrastructure. Karlsruhe, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is preparing to host athletes and spectators from around the world, with the event expected to boost tourism and the local economy. Final approval of the programme rests with the International World Games Association Executive Committee, and any changes will be announced in the lead-up to the event.
Further details on specific disciplines and medal events will be released by the organizers in the coming months.
