China Leads Medal Count as Chengdu World Games Close with Record Success and Historic Inclusion Milestones.

The ceremony, held in the International Friendship Hall of the Chengdu World Expo Park, lasted roughly an hour and blended a rapid-fire montage of the Games’ most memorable moments with a formal athletes’ entrance, the flag‑hand‑over, and a series of cultural and artistic performances. Chief fireworks designer Cai Canhuang lit the night sky with a display that incorporated stylised Chengdu symbols, while the event’s directors emphasized that the athletes themselves were the true stars of the show. “Every figure who goes all out deserves applause and cheers,” a voice‑over declared, echoing the sentiment echoed across Weibo posts that praised the competitors’ dedication.

China’s own delegation departed the Games at the top of both the gold‑medal and overall‑medal tables, a point of national pride that dominated the online conversation. The final tally of 36 gold, 17 silver and 11 bronze medals was celebrated with a cascade of reposts and hashtags such as #中国队36金17银11铜收官. The Chinese team’s dominance was highlighted not only in traditional disciplines but also in newer, “fashion‑sport” events that the World Games are known for showcasing.

Perhaps the most striking story from Chengdu was the debut of ten Chinese athletes with disabilities, who competed alongside their able‑bodied peers for the first time in the event’s history. The contingent captured five gold medals and a silver, a performance that underscored the Games’ growing emphasis on inclusivity. In particular, free‑diving sensation Long Dengxi clinched a double title, while 15‑year‑old Huang Shiyu shattered the women’s free‑diving world record, drawing gasps and applause from the stadium audience and online viewers alike.

The logistical feat of the Games attracted praise from the International World Games Association (IWGA). President Jose Perurena lauded Chengdu’s organization, calling the event “the best World Games ever,” while Vice‑President Tom Dillen singled out the efficiency and professionalism of the preparatory work. Local officials echoed that sentiment. Sichuan Provincial Party Committee Deputy Secretary and Governor Shi Xiaolin, who met with IWGA representatives earlier in the year, thanked the myriad staff members who turned the city into a global sporting hub. Standing Committee Member Cao Lijun, Municipal Party Secretary, visited the venue in the final days and expressed gratitude to the volunteers whose tireless service kept the Games running smoothly. Deputy Mayor of Chengdu and Executive Deputy Chairman of the Chengdu World Games Executive Committee Xu Xingguo, as well as State Sports General Administration Deputy Director Li Jing, also took the podium to acknowledge the collective effort that made the event possible.

Beyond the ceremony’s pageantry, the Games were framed by a set of green and economical principles that the organizers touted as a model for future large‑scale events. From tax‑refund kiosks at the airport to seamless subway access via bank cards, visitors repeatedly praised Chengdu’s hospitality and its “clever Chengdu elements” in everything from medal design to venue signage. Meteorological support, coordinated by China Meteorological Administration Party Secretary Chen Zhenlin and specialist Zhang Erzheng, ensured that weather conditions never disrupted the tightly scheduled competitions, a detail that went largely unnoticed by the public but was crucial to the event’s flawless execution.

The impact of the Chengdu World Games will likely ripple far beyond the medals. The inclusion of traditional Chinese sports such as dragon‑boat racing and wushu on the official programme offered a cultural showcase to a worldwide audience, while the spotlight on newer disciplines—parkour, sport climbing, ultimate frisbee, roller‑skating and others—has already sparked a surge in domestic interest. Suppliers of climbing gear, specialized frisbees and skate equipment report a noticeable uptick in orders, suggesting that the Games have ignited fresh market opportunities for a burgeoning segment of China’s sports industry.

Socially, the event served as a conduit for intercultural exchange. Athletes and spectators mingled in Chengdu’s streets, sampling Sichuan cuisine, visiting historic sites and participating in cultural tours organised by the Chengdu World Games Executive Committee’s Urban Work Service Department under Wang Feng. The warm reception and the city’s reputation for openness have reinforced China’s soft‑power narrative, projecting an image of a modern, welcoming nation capable of hosting world‑class events while preserving its heritage.

Politically, the successful delivery of a multi‑sport, multi‑nation gathering adds another feather to Beijing’s cap as a reliable host of international spectacles. The smooth handover of the Games’ flag to the next host city, a moment captured in the closing ceremony’s final tableau, was framed by officials as a symbolic passing of the torch for continued cooperation and friendship. As Xu Xingguo noted, “The farewell today is a promise that we will meet again under even better circumstances.”

The public mood on Chinese micro‑blogging platform Weibo was overwhelmingly positive. Posts bristled with pride for the athletes, admiration for the city’s hospitality and commendations for the seamless organization. While there were a few generic comments on crisis‑management rhetoric, no substantive criticism of the Games’ execution emerged in the data available. The collective voice celebrated both the triumphs on the field and the broader legacy the event is expected to leave.

As the lights dimmed on the International Friendship Hall and the final fireworks faded, Chengdu’s World Games entered the history books not merely as a competition but as a catalyst for sport, culture and international goodwill. The city’s blend of high‑tech efficiency, deep‑rooted tradition and forward‑looking green policies has set a benchmark that the global sporting community will likely look to when planning the next chapter of the World Games.