Kickboxing is in The World Games 2029

TO ALL WAKO MEMBERS

Dear Presidents and General Secretaries,

The International World Games Association has officially unveiled the Sports Programme for The World Games 2029, we are delighted to confirm that Kickboxing is included among the official sports for this prestigious multi-sport event that will be held in Karlsruhe, Germany.

This marks another major recognition of Kickboxing’s continued growth and global significance on the international sports stage.

WAKO President Roy Baker has commented:  

“The inclusion of Kickboxing in The World Games 2029 is a proud milestone for our sport and a recognition of the hard work of athletes, coaches, officials, and national federations worldwide. Since appearing at The World Games 2017 as an invitational sport, Kickboxing confirmed its place on the official sports programme in the following editions in 2022 and 2025, and has now once again secured that status for 2029. I am proud to serve as President of WAKO and, together with my team, to work continuously on strengthening the position of kickboxing on the global sports stage. We look forward to showcasing the very best of kickboxing on this prestigious stage.”

On last Saturday April 25^th President Baker attended the IWGA (International World Games Association) General Assembly in Lausanne, Switzerland, together with Espen Lund, WAKO IF Vice President and General Secretary and WAKO Europe President, who was elected as Board member of the new IWGA Executive Committee for 2026-2030 getting most votes of the board members with 33 out of 39 votes. Anna Arzhanova is the new elected IWGA President succeeding José Perurena López. Perurena was also honored with the title of IWGA Honorary President in recognition of his service and impact on the organization. WAKO thanks him for his excellent service and leadership.

Here below the Sports Programme for The World Games 2029:

Air Sports - tbc

American Football

Archery

Billiards

Boules Sports

Canoe

Cheerleading 

Climbing

DanceSport

Fistball

Floorball

Flying Disc

Gymnastics

Handball

Hockey

Ju-Jitsu

Karate

Kickboxing

Korfball

Lacrosse

Life Saving

Muaythai

Orienteering

Powerlifting

Roller Sports

Squash

Sumo

Tug of War

Underwater Sports

Waterski/Wakeboard

Wushu

Additional sports under consideration, pending further final IWGA ExCo approval by 1^st July 2026:

Baseball/Softball

Bowling

Racquetball

Sambo

A second phase later in 2026 will complete the programme, including the announcement of disciplines and medal events, selection of additional disciplines chosen by the host and the inclusion of para-sports. 

Further information and details regarding WAKO’s participation in The World Games 2029 will follow on due time.