International sporting competitions are a vital opportunity to build harmonious relationships between peoples in a way that transcends politics, said Jose Perurena, president of the International World Games Association (IWGA).
The 2025 World Games are currently taking place in southwest China's Chengdu City, with some 4,000 athletes from over 100 countries and regions competing across 34 sports.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Perurena emphasized that the Games will encourage athletes and visiting sporting officials to get to know the host city Chengdu and the people who live there during their stay.
"I am 100 percent in agreement with President Xi Jinping's statement that sports serve as a bond to enhance friendship among people. An athlete is an athlete, whether in one sport or another, because they represent the country with the same affection and dedicate the same time to preparing for that championship. The standard that we have set is that athletes can proudly demonstrate to the world that harmony in the relationship between people outside of politics can be achieved. And our goal is not to have athletes locked up in a village. Athletes have to meet the host city's people and interact with them. And that is a way of making a link between the people. I believe at this moment, in the 21st century, in the year 2025, that different people are linked through sport," he said.
Perurena, a former Spanish competitor in Canoe Sprint, is also an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member.
At the opening ceremony of the 12th World Games, he announced that he would step down from the position of IWGA president in 2026 after 12 years of leadership.
"I chose to step down from the presidency knowing Chengdu would host the best World Games in its history, a conviction that has been proven true. My legacy is ensuring that athletes here experience the same high standards as the Olympics. While not all sports can be included in the Olympics, we leaders have a duty to provide athletes with top tier competition conditions. Every athlete deserves to represent their country proudly wearing their national colors and competing at the highest level. That is the legacy I leave for the future of the World Games," he said.
First held in 1981 and staged every four years, the World Games is the highest-level international multi-sport event outside the Olympic Games, and features sports and disciplines that are not on the Olympic program. This year's competition runs from Aug 7 to 17.
World Games in Chengdu to build friendships among peoples: association president
World Games in Chengdu to build friendships among peoples: association president
World Games in Chengdu to build friendships among peoples: association president
