Preparations for the 12th World Games are highlighting a strong commitment to sustainability, with efforts focused on repurposing existing venues and materials into world-class competition spaces.
The Games will be held in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, from August 7 to 17, with preparations grounded in the principles of simplicity, safety, and excellence in organizing sporting events.
They will feature 34 major events, 60 sub-events, and 255 minor events. A total of 27 competition venues have been arranged across eight zones in Chengdu. Among the competition venues, 18 are existing facilities that have been adapted for the Games, while nine are temporary structures built within park environments.
Working groups have adhered to the principle of "borrowing over renting, renting over buying" to reduce equipment procurement costs, underscoring the event's eco-friendly approach.
"We are preparing for various events with a focus on safety and simplicity. The area where we are currently located will serve as a functional zone during the World Games. The houses are primarily built using materials sourced from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Mixed Team World Cup 2024. We have reused these buildings, with a total reused area of nearly 500 square meters," said Li Hui, deputy director of media operations at the Sichuan Gymnasium Venue Center.
After the World Games, the competition venues will be reused and opened to the public, aiming to play a significant role in hosting events and promoting sports development.
With preparations nearing completion, Chengdu is set to welcome the world with a spirit of openness, sustainability, and innovation as the 12th World Games approach.
World Games' venues highlight sustainability with reused facilities, materials
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
