In a vibrant celebration of sports and culture, the historic torch relay has officially kicked off the countdown to the 12th World Games in Chengdu! Spanning 11 kilometers across Chengdu, Deyang, and Meishan, 120 dedicated torchbearers carried the flame — a symbol of unity, passion, and excellence — marking a momentous first for the event. 🔥
The excitement began at the renowned Sanxingdui Museum, where the flame was collected at an ancient site that echoes with history. Local athletic star Huang Zhangjiayang, a proud Chengdu native who clinched gold in the rhythmic gymnastics team event at last year's Paris Olympics, had the honor of lighting the torch first. The relay reached a thrilling peak when table tennis legend Ma Long carried the final torch at the inaugural stop, linking generations of sporting brilliance. 🏅
The route not only celebrates athletic achievements but also showcases Chengdu's rich cultural heritage — with a memorable stop at the Jinsha Site Museum and a final leg at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a symbol of nature and regional pride.
This year’s World Games promises an extraordinary lineup with 255 events across 60 disciplines and 34 sports, marking one of western China's first major global sports spectacles since the 2023 Chengdu Universiade. With full-scale rehearsals and 24 successful test events across 20 sports, every detail is being finely tuned for an unforgettable experience.
For young sports enthusiasts and cultural explorers across South and Southeast Asia, this relay is not just a prelude to competition — it’s a fusion of tradition, modern spirit, and the vibrant energy of our dynamic communities. Stay tuned as the countdown continues, and get ready to witness history in the making! 🎉
Reference(s):
Historic torch relay gets underway before 2025 World Games in Chengdu
cgtn.com
