Sport climbing competitions at the World Games kicked off Thursday morning, marking another milestone for a sport on the rise. As athletes scale walls and test their limits, the conversation shifts beyond medals to the sport’s global trajectory.
“It’s not my first time coming to this country,” said Toru Kobinata, Vice President of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC), after inspecting the event venues. “And every time, I’ve been very surprised by your capability to host such a big multi-sport event in China.”
For Kobinata, China isn’t just another stop on the circuit—it’s a “key country” for sport climbing’s future. At age 58, he’s now at the helm of developing formats and expanding the sport’s footprint worldwide.
One of his top priorities? Introducing team-based events to complement the existing individual disciplines. “Compared to individual sports, we really need to improve the spirit of team sports because, simply, most human activities are done as a team. So for the IFSC, to establish – to start – a good team format event is very much important.”
By blending individual thrill with team strategy, the IFSC hopes to spark new rivalries, boost fan engagement, and build a more inclusive community around climbing. If successful, these innovations could redefine how fans and athletes experience the sport around the globe.
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IFSC Vice President: China is "key country" in sport climbing's future
cgtn.com
