Canopy piloting returns to The World Games: skydiving on the Karlsruhe 2029 programme

The International World Games Association (IWGA) confirmed the full programme for The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe on 3 September 2026, with the Games scheduled for 19–29 July 2029. On a list of 36 sports and 62 disciplines, air sports have a single entry: skydiving. On 7 September the World Air Sports Federation (FAI) announced that canopy piloting will be on the Karlsruhe programme.

The programme was settled in two steps. IWGA announced an initial list of sports after its general meeting in April, and the full programme with disciplines was approved by the IWGA Executive Committee and the Karlsruhe 2029 Organising Committee. It also includes sports invited by the host city and sports for athletes with impairment. IWGA expects around 4,000 athletes from more than 100 countries and says the confirmation gives athletes and international federations certainty as they plan. Karlsruhe will be the first city to host The World Games twice.

Back after missing Chengdu

According to IWGA, canopy piloting was on The World Games programme from 2005 to 2022. At Chengdu in 2025 air sports were represented by drone sports alone, so Karlsruhe brings the discipline back after one edition away.

Polish spectators saw canopy piloting at the Wrocław Games in 2017, where air sports also included aerobatics and paramotoring. FAI has been a member of IWGA since 1995.

What canopy piloting involves

Athletes fly small, highly agile canopies and complete tasks that test canopy control and accurate flying. IWGA lists accuracy, speed and distance events, plus freestyle, in which the athlete performs manoeuvres with body and canopy at high speed while in contact with the water.

What the announcement does not settle

IWGA has not published the competition schedule, the qualification system or the list of medal events. How many athletes will compete in canopy piloting, which events will be held and how places will be earned therefore remain open. IWGA says it will release that information as preparations progress.

Before then, the 11th FAI World Canopy Piloting Championships are scheduled for 18–24 October 2026 in Eloy, Arizona. The FAI International Skydiving Commission's calendar puts them in the same window as the world championships in formation skydiving, artistic events, speed skydiving and canopy piloting freestyle.