Bowling’s return to the World Games is still uncertain - but it is not off the table.
The International World Games Association (IWGA) confirmed that bowling is under consideration for inclusion in the 2029 World Games in Karlsruhe, Germany, despite not being part of the initial list of 31 confirmed sports.
The situation marks a possible turnaround after bowling was removed from the programme in 2025. At the time, the IWGA cited a lack of communication with the International Bowling Federation (IBF) during key debriefing and application processes.
Now, bowling is one of a small group of sports still being evaluated, alongside baseball/softball, sambo, and racquetball.
A final decision is expected by July 1, 2026.
In the latest interview with BowlingLife, the IWGA made it clear that bowling remains in contention, but no decision has been made yet.
“At this stage, the inclusion of bowling in the TWG 2029 programme has not yet been confirmed. However, it is on the list of sports that will still be considered, and a decision on those will be communicated by 1 July,” said Anna Jacobson, Head of Social Media and Digital Engagement.
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She also outlined the factors that will determine the outcome, pointing to criteria such as global reach, governance standards, organisational capacity, spectator appeal, and alignment with the overall vision of The World Games.
“In terms of the process, sports are considered for inclusion by the IWGA based on a range of criteria, including global reach, governance standards, organisational capacity, spectator appeal, and alignment with the overall vision of The World Games. Membership in the IWGA enables bowling to engage more directly in this process, but it does not automatically guarantee inclusion in the competition programme,” Jacobson said.
The 2029 World Games will take place in Karlsruhe, Germany, from July 19 to 29. The city will become the first to host the event twice, having previously organized it in 1989.
