Ukrainian Athletes Secure First Gold Medal at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu
At the outset of the highly anticipated and globally significant 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, the Ukrainian national team made a remarkable debut by clinching their very first gold medal of this prestigious multi-sport event.
The names that echoed through the venue belonged to Ivan Labunets and Efrosiniya Kryvitska, who teamed up in mixed pairs in sports acrobatics.
Their performance was a testament to impeccable synchronization, technical excellence, and dedicated training, earning an impressive sum of 29.110 points.
This achievement not only outstripped their main competitors from Portugal, who scored 28.540, but also outperformed the Israeli team with 28.250 points, marking a historic milestone for Ukraine.
This gold medal signifies Ukraine’s inaugural victory in this discipline, heralding a new era of success on the international sporting stage.
Notably, Ukraine’s accomplishments extend across other non-Olympic sports as well, highlighting the country’s growing prowess in disciplines such as sports acrobatics.
Since its inception in 1981 in Santa Clara, California, the World Games — governed by the International Olympic Committee since 2001 — have provided a global platform for non-Olympic sports, held biennially and gathering the world’s best athletes.
In 2025, Ukraine is represented by 99 athletes competing across 19 sports, a record number reflecting the country’s increasing sporting ambitions and achievements.
In 2022, Ukrainian athletes set a historical record by winning 45 medals, including 16 golds, 12 silvers, and 17 bronzes, demonstrating their exceptional talent and dedication, and reaffirming Ukraine’s standing in the international sports arena.
The journey toward the gold in Chengdu began with a silver medal earned by karateka Angelika Teryuga, marking the first-ever podium finish for Ukraine at these games.