IBF Seeks Answers on Why The World Games Train Has Left Without Bowling

Bowling will not return to The World Games in 2029, having been left out of the confirmed programme of 36 sports in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Yet the specific reasons behind that decision are still not fully clear. Even for the International Bowling Federation (IBF) itself.

In April, bowling was still under consideration. According to a statement shared with BowlingLife by IBF CEO Michael Seymour, the federation received a letter on September 2, 2026 from International World Games Association (IWGA) President Anna Arzhanova confirming that bowling would not be included.

The letter explained that the IWGA had spent more than four months trying to secure bowling’s inclusion, but the Karlsruhe organisers had rejected its proposals.

The reasons for their decision are what the IBF is still trying to understand.

“I have requested a meeting with the IWGA to better understand the reasons behind the Organising Committee's position and, in particular, the principal factors that prevented Bowling from being accommodated,” Seymour told BowlingLife.

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What does the IWGA say about the reasons?

IWGA Communications Director Camille Bastin said to BowlingLife's Erikas Jansonas that the assessment involved sporting, operational, strategic and organisational considerations.

“The final programme was determined jointly by the IWGA and the Local Organising Committee, with the LOC’s input and considerations around the overall programme and local context forming part of the process.”

“Ultimately, bowling was not included in the final programme. This reflects the overall assessment and balance of the programme, rather than a single requirement that the sport or its governing body failed to meet.”

Maybe the same issues as before?

This is not the first time bowling has been left out of The World Games. Therefore the natural question was whether this was similar circumstances surrounding bowling’s exclusion from the 2025 Games, when the IWGA cited an inability to communicate with the IBF during the debriefing and application processes.

“While lessons from previous editions are naturally part of the IWGA’s experience, we would not characterise the decision as being based on the same specific issues that arose in relation to the 2025 programme.”

The IWGA also described changes in its relationship with the federation:

“There were improvements in the relationship and communication between the IWGA and the IBF during the selection process for The World Games 2029. The IBF also underwent organisational and structural changes between the selection processes for 2025 and 2029, including changes within its staff, which contributed to a different working relationship.”

IBF SEO also said the IBF had fulfilled its obligations to the IWGA.

“Throughout, we responded to all requirements, provided the information requested within the applicable deadlines and engaged in meetings and discussions with the IWGA in relation to both our application and the potential inclusion of Bowling in Karlsruhe 2029,” Seymour said.

Can bowling work towards a return?

The World Games train has left Karlsruhe station without bowling on board. All the sport’s leaders can do now is consider how to secure a place at the next World Games.

Asked what concrete changes would secure a return, the IWGA made clear that there is no guaranteed route back.

"For bowling, as for any sport seeking inclusion, it will therefore be important to demonstrate continued alignment with these criteria and with the strategic direction of the IWGA, while maintaining strong engagement with the IWGA and providing complete and timely information throughout the application and selection process."

"The programme selection also takes into account the overall composition and balance of the Games, including the sporting, operational and strategic considerations relevant to each edition and each Host City. As such, meeting the applicable criteria does not in itself guarantee inclusion in a particular edition," IWGA Communications Director Camille Bastin said.

IWGA assured that it remains committed to dialogue with its member federations and to considering bowling for future editions.

For now, one key question remains: how can the IBF identify what needs to change for a future return without clear feedback on the specific reasons for bowling’s exclusion?