On May 19, the International World Games Association (IWGA) announced the list of candidates for the 2025-2029 Athletes Committee. Among the 21 nominees selected by their respective International Sports Federations, wushu athletes Xiaoxiao Lai (China) and Loan Drouard (France), nominated by the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), have been confirmed as candidates and will compete for seven positions on the Athletes Committee during the 12th World Games in Chengdu, China, from August 7 to 17, 2025.
Accredited athletes at TWG 2025 can cast their votes via secure online polling from August 3–16, with results announced on August 25. To ensure balanced representation (gender, sport and geographical), the IWGA President may appoint up to two additional members by October 2025.
JoséPerurena, IWGA President and Chair of the Electoral Committee, stated:“The election of Athletes Committee members is an important step in strengthening the athletes’ voice within the IWGA. Their insights are invaluable in shaping the future of The World Games, ensuring it continues to reflect and serve the athletes at its core. I encourage all eligible athletes to participate in this vital election and help us create a more inclusive and athlete-centered future.”
About Wushu Candidates
Xiaoxiao Lai (China) – A decorated retired wushu athlete (The World Games, Asian Games, and World Championships gold medalist) and IWUF Athletes’ Committee Chair, Lai now lectures at Anhui Normal University while advocating for wushu’s global growth.
Loan Drouard (France) – An exceptionally talented and accomplished wushu competitor (nine-time French champion, a double European champion, The World Games medalist, and placed fourth at the 2024 Taolu World Cup). He continues to pursue world championship glory while actively advancing wushu's global development.
Wushu at TWG 2025
Wushu has been officially included in the sport program of The World Game 2025. The competition will be held from August 5 to 13, 2025, at the Sports Center Gymnasium in Chengdu High-tech Zone, China, and is expected to produce 12 gold medals. The wushu taolu competition will run from August 5 to 10, featuring six all-around events (three for men and three for women), awarding six gold medals with 54 elite athletes competing. Meanwhile, the sanda competitions will be held from August 7 to 13, featuring six weight categories (three for men and three for women), distributing another six gold medals among 48 participants.
For more information, please visit the IWGA official website: https://www.theworldgames.org/news/IWGA-announces-21-candidates-for-Athletes-Committee-election-at-The-World-Games-2025-2655
