Chengdu, China — As the 12th edition of The World Games unfolds in the dynamic city of Chengdu, the world turns its attention to 34 sports and over 250 medal events rarely seen on the Olympic stage. With the slogan “Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders”, this year’s Games showcase more than just athletic competition—they offer a celebration of global diversity, innovation in sport, and the pursuit of excellence in disciplines outside the mainstream.
For Team South Africa, the 2025 World Games are more than just another stop on the international sporting calendar. They represent a proud continuation of a legacy that began in 1993, now culminating in the nation’s ninth appearance at this growing global festival. From martial arts to mountain walls, and from orienteering to powerlifting, South Africa’s 20-strong squad is once again flying the flag in true green-and-gold spirit.
Flag Bearers Leading from the Front
The honour of carrying the national flag at the grand opening ceremony, held at the futuristic Tianfu International Conference Center, went to archer Hendre Verhoef (17) and orienteering athlete Sarah Wimberley (22). Both are national No. 1s in their respective disciplines and embody the promise of South Africa’s rising sporting talent.
Their appointment is not only symbolic of youth and excellence but reflects a broader theme: South Africa’s growing footprint in emerging and precision-based sports. Verhoef, already a seasoned international competitor, kicked off Team SA’s campaign alongside teammate Septimus Cilliers in the men’s target compound event, setting the tone for what could be another chapter in South Africa’s World Games medal story.
A Global Stage Like No Other
This year’s Games have attracted a record 114 nations and nearly 4,000 athletes, with hosts China fielding the largest contingent of 321 athletes. For Chengdu, a city of 20 million blending modern innovation with deep-rooted cultural heritage, hosting The World Games has been a chance to showcase its flair—not just in the world of sport, but in production, hospitality, and ceremony.
The opening gala, capped by a showstopping cauldron-lighting on waterskis, painted a picture of global unity and modern athletic celebration. For South Africa’s delegation, the experience is as much about personal growth and cultural exchange as it is about podium finishes.
A Compact but Competitive Team SA
While some nations boast larger squads, South Africa’s 20 athletes across eight sporting codes are a blend of Olympians, world-class performers, and talented newcomers. Notably, the team includes three Paris 2024 Olympians—Hamish Lovemore (canoeing), Joshua Bruyns (sport climbing), and Aniya Holder (sport climbing)—a strong indication that South Africa is investing across multiple global sporting fronts.
Team SA’s presence spans:
- Combat sports like kickboxing and Muaythai
- Strength sports including powerlifting
- Endurance events such as the canoe marathon
- Precision disciplines like archery, squash, and orienteering
- Trend sports like sport climbing, one of the fastest-growing disciplines globally
This diversity mirrors the very ethos of The World Games: spotlighting excellence in sports that often operate under the radar but demand just as much grit, dedication, and tactical mastery as their Olympic counterparts.
South Africa’s full World Games squad:
Archery: Hendre Verhoef, Septimus Cilliers, Jeanine Van Kradenburg
Canoeing: Hamish Lovemore, Saskia Hockly
Kickboxing: Ahmad Mahomed, Matthew Gething, Muhammad Mia, Leanne Van der Mescht, Saentone Louw
Muaythai: Damian Collins
Orienteering: Sarah Wimberley
Powerlifting: Harold Pietersen, Megan Faul
Sport Climbing: Joshua Bruyns, John-David Muller, Aniya Holder, Tegwen Oates
Squash: Dewald van Niekerk, Hayley Ward
A Legacy of Determination
Historically, South Africa has earned 20 medals across eight editions of The World Games, with its most successful outing coming in 1997 (Lahti, Finland). At the last Games in Birmingham, USA (2022), it was canoeist Andy Birkett who brought home gold—proof that even compact squads can leave a significant mark.
While medals remain a target, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) President Barry Hendricks has emphasized the broader impact: “Any time an athlete represents Team SA, they become ambassadors on and off the playing field. They will form new friendships, be exposed to different cultures, and ultimately make life memories.”
What to Watch For
With events running until 17 August, key storylines for South African supporters include:
- The performances of the kickboxing quintet, led by Ahmad Mahomed and Leanne Van der Mescht
- Climbers Bruyns and Holder, both of whom impressed in Paris 2024, now turning their focus to non-Olympic climbing formats
- Sarah Wimberley, navigating both literal and metaphorical terrain in orienteering as she makes her senior World Games debut
The Road Ahead
In a sporting landscape often dominated by global giants and Olympic headlines, the 2025 World Games offer a refreshing lens into the heart of competitive spirit in sports not often in the limelight.
As global sport continues to evolve beyond the Olympic spotlight, South Africa’s presence at The World Games holds significant value. It offers a platform to highlight South African athletes competing in disciplines often overlooked by mainstream media—yet pursued with the same passion, discipline, and dedication as any high-profile code. Whether it’s on a rugby field, scaling a climbing wall, or powering a canoe through the tranquil waters of Chengdu, these athletes exemplify the spirit and resilience that define the nation’s sporting identity.
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