Final Countdown Begins!
Only 2 Days Left Until the Opening of
the 12th World Games Chengdu 2025
On August 7, 2025, the 12th World Games will officially commence in Chengdu. As one of the key venues, Xinglong Lake will host popular events such as canoeing, gymnastics, and triathlon, set against its shimmering waters. Notably, two exciting beach sports—beach handball and beach korfball—will take center stage at the Xinglong Lake Beach Venue.
Beach handball, which originated in Italy, held its first official international tournament in Rome in 1993 and has since gained global popularity. The beach handball competition will run from August 7 to 12, with two gold medals up for grabs. The mixed-gender tournament features eight men’s and eight women’s teams, each consisting of four players (three field players + one goalkeeper). Matches are divided into two 10-minute halves. China’s women’s team is a strong contender, having won the 2019 Asian Women’s Beach Handball Championship undefeated, making their performance highly anticipated.
Beach korfball, a new addition to the World Games, will debut from August 15 to 17. Invented in 1902 by a Dutch teacher, this sport emphasizes gender equality with mixed teams competing together. Each team consists of two men and two women, with goals scored simply for one point each. Matches consist of two six-minute halves. Since its introduction to mainland China in 2004, beach korfball has grown rapidly, and the Chinese national team has successfully qualified for the World Games, ready to showcase their skills on home turf.