Karlsruhe hosting The World Games 2029

Karlsruhe, Germany, is preparing to host The World Games 2029, which is expected to be the largest edition in the competition’s history. Scheduled to take place from July 19 to July 29, 2029, the event will feature 62 disciplines across 36 sports, with approximately 4,000 athletes from roughly 100 countries participating.

Organizers intend to utilize existing venues, such as the Messe Karlsruhe and the Stadthalle, alongside temporary sporting venues in the city center. The program includes diverse disciplines such as fistball, rhythmic gymnastics, karate, inline speed skating, tug of war, and finswimming. Martin Wacker, Managing Director of The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe GmbH, noted that planning focuses on barrier-free access, short travel distances, and fair ticket pricing.

This marks the second time Karlsruhe has hosted the event, the first being in 1989. The games highlight non-Olympic sports, some of which, like sport climbing, have previously transitioned to the Olympic program. The International World Games Association (IWGA) has officially confirmed the sports program, which includes the return of unihockey for the fourth consecutive time, featuring both men’s and women’s competitions. Other confirmed sports include floorball, beach handball, breaking, and various disciplines in gymnastics, martial arts, and precision sports, ranging from skydiving to minigolf.

Notably, Para-karate will be included for the first time in the history of The World Games, alongside traditional karate disciplines such as Kata and Kumite. The 2029 edition is noted for its diversity, including five para-disciplines intended to increase inclusivity and provide equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities.