Core Insights - The 12th World Games concluded in Chengdu, marking the first time the event was held in mainland China, with the Chinese sports delegation achieving a historic performance by winning a total of 64 medals, including 36 gold, 17 silver, and 11 bronze, thus ranking first in both gold and overall medal counts [1][2] Group 1: Performance Highlights - The Chinese sports delegation won gold medals in 18 events, increasing the number of events in which they secured gold from 14 to 23 [1] - Notable achievements included world records set in women's speed relay in rock climbing and women's 4×50 meter relay in underwater swimming, along with five events where Chinese athletes claimed both gold and silver [1] - In the disabled sports category, 10 athletes won 5 gold and 1 silver in events such as free diving, jiu-jitsu, and archery, showcasing the development of sports for disabled individuals in China [1] Group 2: Development and Future Prospects - The athletes representing China came from diverse backgrounds, with many participating in an international multi-sport event for the first time, reflecting the country's efforts in diversifying sports development and talent cultivation [2] - The World Games primarily featured non-Olympic sports, which are crucial for building a strong sports nation and meeting the diverse sports needs of the public, thus promoting balanced development in sports [2] - Participation in the World Games has helped cultivate a group of excellent athletes, coaches, and management talents for the future development of these sports in China [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Chengdu Universiade has prompted schools to encourage students to engage in various niche sports, broadening their knowledge and fostering interest in physical activities [1]. Group 1: Sports Engagement in Schools - Schools are using the Universiade as an opportunity to introduce students to lesser-known sports, enhancing their understanding and enthusiasm for athletics [1]. - Students at Shixi Primary School are being introduced to beach handball, which is seen as a safe and engaging sport that promotes teamwork and a competitive spirit [3][5]. - The introduction of parkour at Tianhui Primary School has led to a structured training system, with over 100 students participating in parkour classes [7][9]. Group 2: Diverse Sports Activities - Students at Shishi Primary School are learning about baseball and softball through interactive lessons that cover the sport's origins and techniques [11]. - At Jiaxiang Foreign Language School, students are overcoming fears through rock climbing, gaining a sense of achievement from their experiences [13]. - Students at Pidu Experimental School are exploring archery, which enhances their physical fitness and teamwork skills [15]. Group 3: Professional Involvement and Cultural Exchange - Yue Han, a member of the Chinese water skiing team, is actively teaching water skiing techniques to students, highlighting the sport's blend of skill and strength [17]. - The introduction of Faustball in schools has reached over 2,000 young people, indicating a growing interest in this sport [19]. - Cultural exchanges are being fostered through sports, as seen in the collaboration between Lincoln High School's girls' flag football team and Chengdu Foreign Language School [21][23].

Core Insights - The 12th World Games opened in Chengdu on August 7, marking the largest edition in history with 3,942 athletes from 116 countries and regions participating [2][5] - The World Games emphasize diversity and inclusivity in sports, showcasing lesser-known events that are not part of the Olympic Games, thus promoting a broader understanding of sports [3][4] Group 1: Event Significance - The World Games serve as a platform for non-Olympic sports, providing opportunities for athletes in events like lacrosse, korfball, and tug of war, which are less familiar to the Chinese audience [3][4] - The event is seen as a complement to the Olympics, with former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch describing it as a "second Olympic Games" [3][4] Group 2: Impact on Local Sports Culture - The hosting of the World Games in Chengdu is expected to enhance the local sports culture by introducing diverse sports to the public, aligning with the growing interest in non-mainstream activities [8][9] - The event is part of a broader trend in China towards promoting inclusive sports, moving from a focus solely on medal counts to a more holistic approach to sports participation [9] Group 3: Infrastructure and Sustainability - Chengdu has utilized existing and renovated sports facilities for the World Games, which has been praised for its sustainability and setting a new benchmark for future events [5][6] - The design of the torch for the Games incorporates local cultural elements, enhancing the event's cultural significance and global recognition [6] Group 4: Future Prospects - The World Games are anticipated to stimulate interest in emerging sports in China, such as frisbee and paddleboarding, reflecting a shift in public engagement with sports [8][9] - The event is seen as a crucial step in China's sports globalization and diversification efforts, potentially influencing long-term sports development in the region [9]

Group 1 - The 12th World Games will take place in Chengdu from August 7, 2025, with the soft hockey event starting on August 6 [2] - Chinese athletes Shi Jingwei and Guo Dan will serve as flag bearers for the opening ceremony, highlighting their recent achievements in their respective sports [2] - The Chengdu Athletes' Village officially opened on August 3, providing services for approximately 7,000 participants during the event [2] Group 2 - The opening ceremony will have a theme of "Unlimited Sports, Diverse Atmosphere," lasting about 90 minutes, with a 15-minute cultural performance segment [3] - All 27 competition venues for the Chengdu World Games are ready, adhering to principles of resource optimization for post-event use [3] - The Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is expected to see a 1.5 times increase in passenger traffic during the event, with enhanced services for participants [3] Group 3 - The International World Games Association President, José Perurena, expressed high expectations for the event, noting the quality of venues, volunteer levels, and professionalism of the organizing committee [4]

Group 1 - The 32nd World University Summer Games will take place in Germany from July 16 to 27, 2025, with approximately 8,500 athletes and officials from 150 countries expected to participate [1] - The Chinese delegation will consist of over 220 members, including around 120 athletes, competing in 14 sports and over 90 events [1] - The average age of the athletes is 21.9 years, with approximately 86% being first-time participants in the Universiade and about 84% representing their country in a world or continental multi-sport event for the first time [1] Group 2 - The event will feature 18 major sports, including basketball, badminton, swimming, and more, with a new category for disabled athletes in 3x3 basketball [1] - The Chinese delegation is composed of students and faculty from 81 universities and institutions across 26 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities [1] - The Secretary-General of the Student Sports Association expressed hopes for the teams to showcase Chinese culture and the positive spirit of the youth during the event [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of sports participation for everyone, regardless of gender, age, or skill level, highlighting the historical significance of traditional sports in China, particularly Sumo wrestling and other ancient sports [2][10]. Group 1: Historical Context of Sports - Sumo wrestling has roots tracing back to ancient times, with the earliest records found in "Shu Yi Ji," describing a combat style used by tribes over 4,000 years ago [10]. - The sport evolved through various dynasties, initially known as "Jiao Li" and later referred to as "Sumo" during the Tang and Song dynasties, where it became popular in both royal courts and among the public [10][11]. - Other ancient sports in China included Cuju (an early form of football), archery, and Touhu (a throwing game), each carrying cultural and historical significance [11][14]. Group 2: Cultural Significance of Sports - Archery was one of the earliest sports invented in China, influencing military strategies and historical events, and was included in the modern Olympic Games in 1900 [11][12]. - Cuju, originally a military training exercise, became a popular recreational activity during the Song dynasty, enjoyed by all social classes [14]. - Touhu has been a traditional game for over 2,000 years, often played during banquets and social gatherings, reflecting the cultural practices of ancient China [14][16].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes the importance of protecting, promoting, and innovating traditional sports to meet diverse health needs and contribute to the goal of building a strong sports nation [1][4] - Traditional sports, such as Tai Chi and dragon boat racing, showcase unique values in physical fitness, cultural heritage, and social cohesion, aligning with the strategic choice for high-quality development of national fitness [2][4] - The development of traditional sports is still in its early stages, facing challenges like a short industrial chain and insufficient marketization, necessitating industrial upgrades to enhance cultural vitality and economic momentum [3][4] Group 2 - The integration of traditional sports into the national fitness strategy is crucial for improving public health and achieving the dual goals of a strong sports nation and cultural confidence [4][5] - Local governments should create clear development plans for traditional sports, allocate special funds, and build facilities in public spaces to encourage community participation [5][6] - Collaboration with educational institutions to develop specialized programs in traditional sports will help cultivate skilled professionals in teaching, training, and management [6]