LAUSANNE, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Anna Arzhanova has been elected as the fourth President of the International World Games Association (IWGA) for the 2026-2030 term, succeeding Jose Perurena who led the organization for 12 years.
The election took place during the IWGA Annual General Meeting at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne on Saturday. Arzhanova received 29 votes from the 39 member federations represented at the meeting, all of which participated in the vote.
Arzhanova becomes the fourth president in IWGA history, following Dr. Kim Un-Yong (1980-1992), Ron Froehlich (1992-2014) and Perurena (2014-2026).
The 56-year-old has been a member of the IWGA Executive Committee since 2014. She has served as President of the World Underwater Sports Federation (CMAS) since 2013 and as Vice President of the Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF) since 2017.
"I am deeply honored to be elected as President of the IWGA," Arzhanova said.
"In today's highly competitive international sports landscape, The World Games play an increasingly important role as both a catalyst and a stepping stone - strengthening the long-term relevance of our event within the Olympic and global sports movement."
Outgoing President Perurena was honored with the title of IWGA Honorary President in recognition of his service.
"I would like to extend my warm congratulations to my successor Anna Arzhanova on her election and wish her every success in this important role," Perurena said. "It has been an honor to serve the IWGA and to work alongside our Member Federations in strengthening The World Games Movement."
The Annual General Meeting also elected the full IWGA Executive Committee. Jan Fransoo (International Korfball Federation) was elected Vice President, John Liljelund (International Floorball Federation) was elected as Treasurer, while Espen Lund, Nob Rauch, Antonio Perez Priego, Joachim Thumfart and Athletes Committee Chair Sandra Sanchez were elected as members. ■
