Asunción, Paraguay – On the 26th, it was officially announced that Paraguay will host the 2025 World Skate Games (WSG). Despite strong bids from other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United States, and Peru, Paraguay emerged as the final host.

The announcement was made jointly by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and World Skate President Sabatino Aracu in Asunción. The World Skate Games are scheduled to take place between late September and early October of next year.

Concerns Over Full Participation

While Paraguay has shown progress in figure skating, the World Skate Games encompass 13 disciplines, raising questions about Paraguay's ability to field teams in all events.

Notably, the hockey-patin discipline poses a significant challenge, as Paraguay has no prior experience participating in World Championships or South American Championships in this category. In 2013, an attempt to form a men's team resulted in a 13-0 defeat against the Chilean women's team.

The participation of Paraguay in this world skate game is in question of whether it will be a stepping stone for the development of Paraguayan hockey-patin, or if it will end as a temporary event. There have been cases in the past, such as Puerto Rico and Cuba, where teams that were hastily formed for the competition were disbanded after the event.

What is the World Skate Games?

The World Skate Games is an international event considered the Olympics of roller sports. It features 13 disciplines, including roller speed, roller hockey, skateboarding, inline hockey, alpine roller skiing, downhill roller skiing, freestyle roller skating, artistic roller skating, inline alpine, inline freestyle, roller freestyle, scooter, and inline dance.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]