CHENGDU, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Athletes from a record 83 countries and regions reached the podium at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, the highest medal-winning participation in the event's history.

Chen Zhi, deputy director of the Games Executive Committee's Department of Sports Competition and Anti-doping, said 18 new world records were set in Chengdu, while athletes from 55 countries and regions won gold medals.

The Games drew unprecedented participation, with 6,679 athletes, team officials and technical officials from 116 countries and regions, according to Xu Xingguo, executive vice chairman of the organizing committee. More than 220,000 tickets were sold, with sessions in gymnastics, muaythai and wushu selling out.

Operations were supported by a 4,600-member competition management team, 1,133 technical officials and 13,000 venue staff. Technical support was provided by 27 specialist teams maintaining more than 20,000 pieces of equipment across 579 categories, along with 150 staff members managing timing and scoring systems. More than 6,000 volunteers also contributed.

International World Games Association Vice President Tom Dielen praised the "unprecedented athletic performances" and the event's organization. "It has been a true home, a place with sporting experts and cultural exchanges. We were faced not only with impeccable organization and flawless operations, but also with the warmth and hospitality that is uniquely Chinese. The first-ever torch relay and spectacular opening ceremony were definitely defining moments which should have set a new benchmark."

The Chengdu World Games ran from August 7 to 17 and featured 34 sports, 60 disciplines and 256 events. ■