Climbing and Para Climbing will both feature on the sports programme for the 13th edition of The World Games in Karlsruhe, Germany, following the confirmation of the full programme by the International World Games Association.

A HISTORIC DEBUT FOR PARA CLIMBING

For the first time in the history of The World Games, Para Climbing will be included alongside Climbing, marking a significant milestone for the sport and its athletes. Boulder, Speed and Lead Para Climbing have been confirmed as the disciplines for the Games, which will take place from 19 to 29 July 2029.

The detailed list of medal events, as well as the exact number of participants and competition days, is still under consideration and will be announced at a future date.

The inclusion of Para Climbing in Karlsruhe marks the second major multi-sport event in the space of just a few months to announce Para Climbing as part of its programme. In June 2026, the European Para Championships confirmed Para Climbing among the sports to be contested at its 2027 edition in Geneva, Switzerland.

The two announcements highlight the growing presence and visibility of Para Climbing on the international multi-sport stage.

A HISTORY OF INNOVATION AT THE WORLD GAMES

Climbing has a long history at The World Games, having made its debut at the 2005 edition in Duisburg, Germany. The sport has featured at every edition since, with its programme evolving to showcase different disciplines and competition formats.

At The World Games Chengdu 2025, Speed Climbing took centre stage in the sport's sixth consecutive appearance at the event. The programme featured six medal events, including traditional individual Speed competitions and new four-lane individual and relay formats, underlining The World Games' role as a platform for innovation and the development of new competition formats.

LOOKING AHEAD TO KARLSRUHE 2029

Around 4,000 athletes from more than 100 countries, representing 36 sports and 62 disciplines, are expected to compete in Karlsruhe. The full programme also includes a range of sports for athletes with impairment, reflecting the growing integration of para sport within The World Games.