During the spread of the Coronavirus, it was decided that the Kansai Games, originally planned for 2021, will be postponed to May 2027. Fifty-nine events in 35 sports will be held in the Kansai region.

Even though the Games are still far away, President Bubka and CEO Jens Holm have visited the Organising Committee in Japan after the Jeonbuk 2023 Asia Pacific Masters Games, to attend a seminar relaunching the Games. Bubka said: “I feel that my relationship with Japan is very long and special. When I am in Japan, I feel at home.”

He then continued: “I want to convey the message that lifelong sports can improve one’s health and longevity. Just as I set a record by raising the bar one centimeter at a time, my goal is to stay healthy until I am 90 years old. I hope to foster a healthy sports culture that is age-appropriate.”

The seminar, which sponsors companies and local governments attended, was a good start to relaunching the Kansai 2027 World Masters Games. In the coming years, the IMGA and the Organising Committee will work closely together to continue to build momentum for the Games.