Lima launches 2026 University Pan American Games as Peru funds 2027 Pan American venues

Peru inaugurated the 2026 University Pan American Games in Lima on July 20, featuring more than 3,000 athletes from 18 nations. The opening ceremony took place at the Polideportivo Lucha Fuentes in Villa El Salvador, with IPD president Sergio Ludeña Visalot highlighting the use of venues such as Videna, Villa María del Triunfo, Villa El Salvador, the Costa Verde complex and the Coliseo Dibós. Competitions included weightlifting, handball, chess, rugby sevens, basketball and football, among 15 sports.

The Instituto Peruano del Deporte (IPD) and the National Infrastructure Authority signed a agreement to invest over S/ 145 million in upgrades for key sites, including the National Stadium, Coliseo Eduardo Dibós, the Las Palmas shooting range, a new tennis centre, a climbing facility and Peru’s first cricket field, all intended for the Lima 2027 Pan and Parapan American Games.