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SCMP Sport

This year’s World Games in Chengdu opened in a dazzling display of old and new on Thursday, with innovation blending seamlessly with the city’s history as thousands of athletes were urged to “enjoy the moment” by International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry.
Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin officially declared the 12th edition of the multi-sport event – which has brought together 4,000 athletes and delegations from 120 countries and regions – open at the Tianfu International Convention Centre, where Alex Lau Tsz-kwan and Lydia Sham Hiu-yu carried Hong Kong’s flag into the arena.
And on a day when Jose Perurena, president of the International World Games Association, declared the Chinese city to be ready to “run the best Games in our history”, the hosts made some of their own.
On a night where the official theme of “Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders” resulted in a ceremony of fashion, sports and joy, there was the first torch relay at a World Games, being staged in mainland China for the first time.
And while the Games are typically for non-Olympic events, lacrosse and squash will feature at the Los Angeles edition in 2028, and China began their journey to reach the top of the former with a 24-2 loss to Team GB.
For Lau, who claimed the men’s singles title at the 23rd Asian Squash Individual Championships in Malaysia in June, becoming just the third Hong Kong athlete to win a gold in the event, becoming an Olympian was a goal for another week.

“It is an incredible honour to be the flag bearer,” he said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; I will do my best to showcase the spirit of the team.”
Sham, meanwhile, is carrying her city’s flag for the second time, having previously done so at the Covid-delayed World University Games in Chengdu in 2023.
It was “truly a special experience” for the wushu athlete, who won a medal of each colour at the third Taolu World Cup in Japan last October.
Hong Kong has sent a delegation of 22 athletes who will take part in seven of the 34 sports being contested, with athletes in air sports, billiards, karate, orienteering, squash, water skiing and wushu.
Before Shen opened the Games, Coventry delivered a video message highlighting the unifying power of sport across cultures and boundaries.
“In celebration of your dedication, passion and pursuit of excellence,” she said. “But never forget that sport is also about joy, so try to enjoy your moment.”
Coventry praised the hosts for their “professionalism and hospitality as usual, seamless organisation and legendary Chinese efficiency”, and thanked the Chinese Olympic Committee, national and local authorities, and the people of Chengdu for their strong support.
“To all of the athletes, give it your best, enjoy the moment and make these memorable and a successful Games – for you, for the fans and for the organisers.”

Earlier in the day, the lacrosse competition got under way with China making their debut at a World Games, and Zou Kexuan and Chen Li scored their country’s first goals of the tournament.
“It’s a great honour to score China’s first-ever goal at the World Games, but it was a team effort,” Zou said.
“Lacrosse in China is still in its early stages, unlike in Europe and North America, where the sport has a long history,” she added. “But I was thrilled to see so many fans in the stadium today. I’ve seen the sport gradually gaining popularity in China, and more people are beginning to appreciate its charm.”
Only women’s sixes lacrosse is featured at the Games. China qualified automatically as the host nation, while the other seven teams – including the United States and Canada – rank among the sport’s global elite.
On Friday, China will take on Japan, who lost 20-5 to Canada.


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2025 World Games: IOC head urges athletes to ‘give it your best, enjoy moment’ at opening

Fireworks and performers during the opening ceremony of the World Games in Chengdu, China on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

Members of the Hong Kong team at the World Games opening ceremony on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

IOC president Kirsty Coventry delivered her opening speech via video. Photo: Xinhua

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Hong Kong’s Grace Lau won individual kata bronze medals at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Asian Games the same year. Photo: Dickson Lee

The Hong Kong delegation received its World Games send-off on Monday. Photo: Handout

Tomato Ho (right) and Lee Ka-yi will be making their World Games debuts in Chengdu. Photo: Handout

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Baldwin Chan and Yiu Kwan-to with their gold medals. Photo: University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China

Sport

Hong Kong

Kirsty Coventry encourages the 4,000 athletes in Chengdu to cherish friendship as Alex Lau, Lydia Sham carry Hong Kong’s flag into arena


Kirsty Coventry encourages the 4,000 athletes in Chengdu to cherish friendship as Alex Lau, Lydia Sham carry Hong Kong’s flag into arena.


Wong Po-kee

2025 World Games: IOC head urges athletes to ‘give it your best, enjoy moment’ at opening

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Kirsty Coventry encourages the 4,000 athletes in Chengdu to cherish friendship as Alex Lau, Lydia Sham carry Hong Kong’s flag into arena

Kirsty Coventry encourages the 4,000 athletes in Chengdu to cherish friendship as Alex Lau, Lydia Sham carry Hong Kong’s flag into arena