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South Africa Fields Team for World Games in Chengdu

CHENGDU — 7 August 2025

Team South Africa launches its World Games campaign in Chengdu today with archer Hendre V. and orienteering athlete Sarah Wimberley carrying the flag during Thursday’s opening ceremony.

A 20-athlete squad will represent Mzansi across eight sports at the international competition featuring non-Olympic disciplines. The event runs until 17 August in the Chinese city of 20 million people (source not provided).

This marks South Africa’s ninth straight appearance at the quadrennial competition. The team has secured 20 medals across previous editions (source not provided).

The 17-year-old archer holds top national ranking and earns his eighth national appearance. Wimberley (22), ranked first locally, has represented SA in two junior and two senior world championships (SASCOC).

SASCOC president Barry Hendricks told the flag bearers: “This will become a life memory for both of you. It is indeed an honour for you to represent your country on the international stage, but carrying the flag adds to the enormity of the achievement. It’s important that you soak up the atmosphere and carry the energy of the ceremony into your competition.”

Hendricks added: “There is a huge audience watching The World Games and you have done all the hard work in earning your Team SA colours. Enjoy the moment and go out there and do your best on this big international stage.”

Competition begins with Hendre V. and Septimus Cilliers in men’s compound archery qualifiers on Thursday.

TEAM SA SQUAD

ARCHERY (3)
Men: Hendre V., Septimus Cilliers
Women: Jeanine Van Kradenburg
Management: Gerda Roux

CANOEING (2)
Men: Hamish Lovemore
Women: Saskia Hockly
Management: Nkosi Mzolo

FISTBALL (5)
Men: Ahmad Mahomed, Matthew Gething, Muhammad Mia
Women: Leanne Van der Mescht, Saentone Louw
Management: Aslam Mahomed, Shabnum Mia

MUAYTHAI (1)
Men: Damian Collins
Managemet: Brett Clarke

ORIENTEERING (1)
Women: Sarah Wimberley
Management: Garry Morrison

POWERLIFTING (2)
Men: Harold Pietersen
Women: Megan Faul
Management: Andrew Ludick, Rodney Anthony

SPORT CLIMBING (4)
Men: Joshua Bruyns, John-David Muller
Women: Aniya Holder, Tegwen Oates
Management: Dean Bruyns

SQUASH (2)
Men: Dewald van Niekerk
Women: Hayley Ward
Management: Jean-Pierre Brits

Editor’s note: Minor’s surname partially anonymised consistent with SA media guidelines for child protection.