For more than 60 years, sport has shaped the life of Jose Perurena.
From representing Spain as an Olympian in 1968 to leading both the International Canoe Federation and the International World Games Association, Mr. Perurena’s influence has stretched across generations of global sport.
Now, after 12 years as IWGA President and more than four decades in sports administration, the Spaniard steps away having helped guide The World Games into a new era.
Reflecting on his final moments as IWGA President, Mr. Perurena said he experienced great happiness.
“We had a model assembly,” said Mr. Perurena who has been succeeded by Anna Azhanova as IWGA President.
“I'm leaving a sound financial situation that will allow the new Executive to implement all its programs, and the elections were held harmoniously, with the member federations sending a clear message of unity.
“With a balanced Executive, 50% of the members were from my previous Executive, holding the positions of President, Vice President, and Treasurer, and 50% are new members, all with extensive experience and expertise in sports management.
“I'm confident that this Executive will continue working on the progress of the World Games.”
Mr. Perurena said there was also a feeling of “nostalgia” having made the personal decision not to continue president of the IWGA after 12 years.
“I've always maintained that a president shouldn't lead a federation for more than 12 years,” said Mr. Perurena.
“An organisation can't depend on the charisma of its president; its strength lies in its Executive.
“Change and rotation are necessary.
“But of course, the nostalgia to continue is kicking in. I hope it doesn't last long and only happiness for the work done remains.”
That balance between ambition and humility has defined much of Mr. Perurena’s leadership.
When Mr. Perurena assumed the Presidency of the IWGA in 2014, The World Games looked very different.
The organisation operated from Colorado, United States with only a part-time secretary.
In 2015, the IWGA relocated to Lausanne where the organisation has grown to six full-time technical staff.
“I consider the period between 2018 and 2025 a transition period, during which the IWGA modified its financial and gaming policies,” said Mr. Perurena.
“The success is undeniable in all operational and commercial areas. We've also made significant progress in our administration.”
The World Games Birmingham 2022 became one of the greatest challenges of Mr. Perurena’s Presidency when the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to derail the event entirely.
With athletes unable to compete in qualification events, global travel restrictions in place and the Olympic Games in Tokyo postponed to 2021, the IWGA faced a decision few sporting organisations ever want to confront – cancel or take the risk of postponement.
“For the good of the athletes, we decided to take the risks and postpone the Games,” said Mr. Perurena.
The Games were eventually moved to 2022 and went on to become one of the most successful editions in World Games history, a result Mr. Perurena credits to the support of International Federations and the Birmingham Organising Committee.
Nearly 5,000 athletes from 112 countries competed at The World Games Chengdu 2025, with broadcasts reaching 205 territories worldwide and generating a cumulative audience of 448 million people.
On top of that, Mr. Perurena said the Games generated 1.1 million unique streaming users, 1.7 million video views, almost 2,000 hours of TV coverage, 420 million social media impressions, and 12,855 digital media articles, reaching approximately 430 million people.
For Mr. Perurena, the statistics only tell part of the story.
“The most important moment during my Presidency was the opening ceremony in Chengdu,” he said..
“For me, it equalled or surpassed the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games – spectacular.”
Alongside the growth of The World Games, Mr. Perurena also leaves behind structural changes that reshapes the organisation internally, including the creation of the Athletes’ Commission and the integration of athlete representation with the Executive Committee, as well as achieving gender equality at Chengdu 2025.
For paddle sport, his influence remained significant.
As former President of the ICF, Mr. Perurena watched the sport continue to expand within The World Games during his leadership.
What began with only Canoe Polo at Cali 2013 evolved into three disciplines at Chengdu 2025, with Canoe Marathon and Dragon Boat joining the programme.
“You can imagine my satisfaction and pride in seeing the evolution of canoeing,” said Mr. Perurena.
Now, after 42 years as an international sports leader, Mr. Perurena says he’s ready to dedicate more time to family, friends, and life away from work.
He still plans to paddle regularly on the rivers of Spain and admits he is looking forward to spending more time on the golf course – luxuries that were difficult to prioritise during decades of leadership.
“Of course, I leave space in my agenda for my commitments as Honorary President of the ICF and IWGA,” said Mr. Lopez.
“42 years as a sports leader are not easily forgotten; you always have a touch of nostalgia.”
Related links
