IWGA Elects New Leadership as The World Games Movement Enters a New Cycle

The International World Games Association (IWGA) held its Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2026 in Lausanne, where IWGA members confirmed the election of a new President and Executive Committee for the 2026–2030 term.

Anna Arzhanova was elected IWGA President, becoming the fourth President in the organisation’s history and the first woman to assume the presidency. Her election marks the beginning of a new governance cycle for The World Games movement, following the long and influential presidency of José Perurena (2014–2026), during which the event further consolidated its position within the international multi-sport landscape.

The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) takes note of the outcomes of the AGM and extends its congratulations to the newly elected leadership team as the IWGA enters this next chapter.

IWGA Elects New Leadership as The World Games Movement Enters a New Cycle

New IWGA Executive Committee confirmed

The newly elected IWGA Executive Committee is composed as follows:

Vice-President: Jan Fransoo (International Korfball Federation)
Treasurer: John Liljelund (International Floorball Federation)
Members: Espen Lund (WAKO), Nob Rauch (WFDF), Antonio Pérez Priego (IWWF), Joachim Thumfart (JJIF)
Athletes’ Committee Chair: Sandra Sánchez (also member of the Executive Committee)

Continuity and development of The World Games

The AGM reflects the continued evolution of The World Games as a key international multi-sport event for disciplines outside the Olympic programme. The IWGA continues to provide an important global platform for international federations and their athletes.

For WDSF, The World Games remain a cornerstone event within the international competition calendar, offering DanceSport athletes a unique stage within a high-level multi-sport environment.

IWGA Elects New Leadership as The World Games Movement Enters a New Cycle

Following the highly successful participation of DanceSport at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, where the discipline received strong international recognition and visibility, attention now turns to the 2029 edition in Karlsruhe, where DanceSport will once again form part of the official programme.

WDSF President Shawn Tay extended his congratulations on behalf of the World DanceSport Federation:

“I would like to congratulate Anna Arzhanova on her election as IWGA President and extend my best wishes to the entire Executive Committee for the new term. The World DanceSport Federation greatly values its strong relationship with the IWGA and remains fully committed to supporting the continued success of The World Games.

The experience in Chengdu was truly outstanding for our athletes, officials and the wider DanceSport community, and we very much look forward to building on that momentum as we prepare for Karlsruhe 2029.”

IWGA newly elected President, Anna Arzhanova stated:

“DanceSport has been an important part of The World Games for many years, and we are delighted to see it confirmed once again in the programme for Karlsruhe 2029. As an IWGA Member Federation since 1995, the World DanceSport Federation has played a significant role in the development of our movement, and I would like to warmly congratulate WDSF and its global community on this continued inclusion.

DanceSport perfectly embodies the unique spirit of The World Games, combining physical excellence with artistic expression. From disciplines such as Breaking, Latin and Standard, we see athletes demonstrate remarkable strength, coordination, endurance and creativity, inspiring audiences around the world.

We greatly value our strong partnership with WDSF and look forward to seeing DanceSport once again contribute to the diversity, innovation and energy that define The World Games.”

WDSF looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the IWGA and to supporting the further growth of The World Games as a platform for sporting excellence and innovation. As preparations begin for Karlsruhe 2029, DanceSport remains committed to contributing to the diversity and global appeal of the event.

IWGA Elects New Leadership as The World Games Movement Enters a New Cycle

Photos by International World Games Association