Anna Arzhanova has been elected as the new President of the International World Games Association (IWGA), succeeding José Perurena after completing his 12-year reign.
The IWGA Annual General Meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland saw Mrs. Arzhanova elected as the fourth President in the organisation’s history after receiving 29 votes from members.
Mrs. Arzhanova takes the place of Mr. Perurena, the former President of the International Canoe Federation, who had led the IWGA since 2014.
Mr. Perurena was honoured with the title of IWGA Honorary President in recognition of his service and impact on the organisation.
Mrs. Arzhanova served three terms as an IWGA Executive Committee member after being first elected in 2014.
Since 2013, Mrs. Arzhanova has held the role of President of the World Underwater Sports Federation, following eight years as a member of its Board of Directors.
She has also served as Vice President of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federation (ARISF) since 2017 and has additionally been a member of the SportAccord Executive Committee as an ARISF representative since 2023.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko was in attendance at the IWGA Annual General Meeting on Saturday.
“I would like to congratulate newly elected IWGA President Anna Arzhanova and the entire leadership team following the General Assembly,” said Mr Konietzko.
“The World Games continue to showcase exceptional sporting excellence, and we were proud to see three of our disciplines in Canoe Polo, Canoe Marathon, and Dragon Boat feature in Chengdu last year.
“We look forward to working closely with Anna and her team as we build towards Karlsruhe 2029 where canoe sport will be on The World Games programme again.
“I would also like to pay tribute to outgoing President José Perurena for his outstanding leadership of the IWGA over the past 12 years.
“Patchi has been a remarkable figure in international sport, and I am delighted that he will now have more time to dedicate to canoeing.”
Mrs. Arzhanova from Serbia and Russia said she was “deeply honoured” to be elected as President of the IWGA.
“I would like to sincerely thank José Perurena for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the past 12 years, which have significantly strengthened The World Games and the global standing of our organisation,” she 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.
“Together with our members, athletes and partners, we will continue to position The World Games as a unique platform for emerging sports, innovation and international collaboration. The future of sport is built through vision, trustand partnership.”
Mr. Perurena was warmly thanked by the membership for his leadership and long-standing contribution to the development of The World Games and the IWGA’s global standing.
“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,” said Mr. Perurena.
“The IWGA is in a strong position, and I am confident it will continue to thrive under the new leadership.
“It has been an honour to serve the IWGA and to work alongside our Member Federations in strengthening The World Games Movement.
“I am proud of what we have achieved together and confident that the organisation will continue to grow in the years ahead.”
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