LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – The International World Games Association (IWGA) has officially ratified the core sports programme for The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe, Germany. The International Floorball Federation (IFF) is pleased to confirm that floorball will once again be part of this prestigious event, solidifying its place in the global multi-sport movement.
The announcement came during the IWGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Olympic Museum, which also saw the election of Anna Arzhanova as the new President and IFF Secretary General John Liljelund as the new IWGA Treasurer.
A Top-Tier Performance
The selection process for the 2029 program was particularly competitive. The Karlsruhe organisers have set a strict maximum quota of 4,500 athletes, which put significant pressure on the number of sports that could be included.
Floorball’s inclusion was based on a diligent evaluation of its performance during The World Games 2025. Evaluated among the “top cluster” of all participating sports, floorball proved its value through high spectator engagement, media interest, and operational excellence. This confirms floorball’s rapid rise since its debut as a full medal event in 2017, having now defended its spot for four consecutive editions.
While floorball’s place is secured, the future of several other long-standing disciplines—including bowling and baseball-softball—remains unconfirmed for the 2029 programme. The specific format of the floorball tournament in Karlsruhe will be decided by the IWGA at a later date.
Funding and National Support
For many IFF Member Associations, inclusion in The World Games carries immense economic weight. In several countries, official participation in the programme is a primary requirement for receiving government grants and elite sports funding.
This impact is most significant for the 2029 host nation, Germany. In the German sports system, The World Games are often viewed as even more important than a World Championship for securing state support and resources for high-performance athletes.
Filip Suman, President of the IFF, summarised the importance of the decision:
– Securing our place in Karlsruhe 2029 is a major victory for our sport’s future. It’s not just about the funding—which is essential for countries like Germany—it’s about the global stage. These Games give us a unique way to present floorball to key people in the IOC and the international sports world. It proves that our sport is growing, professionally managed, and belongs among the best in the multi-sport community.