International delegations have been departing southwest China's Chengdu City as the Athletes Village for the 2025 World Games has now officially closed, with many participants hailing the event as a resounding success.
The 12th World Games drew to a close in Chengdu with the extinguishing of the main torch at Sunday night's closing ceremony, bringing an end to 11 days of competition across a multitude of different.
The event set a new record in terms of participation, with a total of 6,679 athletes, sports team officials and technicians from 116 countries and regions all taking part.
Organizers have received widespread acclaim for their smooth running of the Games, with many also saying they enjoyed their experience in the city of Chengdu.
"The organizing committee, they were very helpful. The whole thing was very professionally run. It's been a lot of work for the last 15 days. We've been putting in some long days, but we've loved every minute of it," said a member from the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS).
"It is a very, very good organization. It was my fourth World Games. And China is the best of the best," said a referee from France.
"Chengdu is a beautiful city. We're really just amazed at how big and beautiful and green it is. And the organization was fantastic," a member from the Australian delegation said.
Launched in 1981 and staged every four years, the World Games is the highest-level international multi-sport event outside the Olympic Games, featuring sports and disciplines that are not on the Olympic program.
In a symbolic gesture during Sunday's closing ceremony, the World Games flag was passed to representatives from the German city of Karlsruhe, which will serve as the host city of the 13th World Games.
World Games hailed success as int'l delegations depart for home
World Games hailed success as int'l delegations depart for home
