World Games ignites history with first-ever torch relay in China

CHENGDU, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The World Games celebrated a milestone on Saturday as its historic first torch relay was held in southwest China's Sichuan Province, ahead of the Games' 12th edition in Chengdu.

The day-long relay saw 120 torchbearers, including table tennis legend Ma Long, actor Jackie Chan and social media influencer Li Ziqi, carry the flame through six landmark sites across the cities of Chengdu, Deyang and Meishan.

The 11-kilometer relay route wove together symbols of ancient heritage and ecological urbanism, including stops at the Jinsha Site Museum and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

The inaugural flame was lit at the iconic Sanxingdui Museum using photovoltaic energy storage, a nod to the event's low-carbon commitment. The ignition rod's design incorporated a 4,500-year-old fingerprint from unearthed pottery, symbolizing continuity between ancient civilization and modern aspirations.

Named "Zhu Meng" - meaning "Bamboo Dream" - the torch features green and silver elements. "Zhu" refers to bamboo, abundant in Sichuan and symbolic of nature, while the name also echoes the meaning of pursuing dreams.

"The unveiling of the first-ever torch for the World Games marks a defining moment in our event's history. This torch embodies the passion, unity and excellence that the World Games represents," said Jose Perurena, president of the International World Games Association (IWGA) during an interview.

"As it begins its journey, it will spark excitement and inspiration in communities worldwide," the IWGA president added.

"It's an honor for me to carry the torch," said Huang Zhangjiayang, an Olympic rhythmic gymnastics champion and the relay's first runner. "The World Games showcases many thrilling sports that don't appear in the Olympics. It's a great opportunity for young people to be inspired by world-class competition right on their doorstep."

Following the relay, the flame will be preserved and presented during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Games which will run from August 7 to 17. It marks the first time the quadrennial event will be held on the Chinese mainland.

Approximately 5,000 athletes from around 110 countries and regions are expected to compete across 34 sports and 60 disciplines during the Games.

According to the local organizing committee, no new permanent competition venues have been built for the event. Instead, Chengdu will utilize 18 existing and nine temporary venues aligning with a sustainability plan aimed at delivering a green and efficient international sporting showcase. ■