The Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has selected the city of Kitakyushu, in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, as the host for the 2nd FIG Parkour World Championship. The competition will take place from November 15 to 17, 2024, at the iconic Katsuyama Park, a venue that promises to offer a spectacular setting for this dynamic urban sport. Kitakyushu, known for its vibrant community and rich history of hosting top-tier sporting events, is preparing to welcome the world’s best parkour athletes.

With a population close to five million, Fukuoka Prefecture is no stranger to the international sports scene. In 2021, Kitakyushu hosted the FIG Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, an event that was successfully held despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This precedent has created high expectations for the upcoming Parkour World Championship, which will be a unique opportunity for the city to reaffirm its commitment to sport and attract the attention of a new generation of fans.

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Morinari Watanabe, president of the FIG and a native of Kitakyushu, expressed his excitement about the event: “It is an honor to return to my hometown for the Parkour World Championship. I am confident that the event will attract many fans and contribute to the development of urban sports in the region.” Watanabe emphasized the importance of this championship for the growth of parkour and its popularity among younger generations.

The president of the Japan Gymnastics Association (JGA), Tadashi Fujita, also shared his optimism about the event. “Kitakyushu is a familiar place for the gymnastics family,” Fujita said, recalling the success of the 2021 World Championship. With fewer pandemic-related restrictions, Fujita hopes this event will allow everyone to fully enjoy the charm of Kitakyushu and the exciting world of parkour.

Japanese parkour athletes have also expressed their enthusiasm. Hikari Izumi, a bronze medalist at The World Games 2022, expressed her joy at the event’s return to Japan and hopes that this championship will inspire more people to get involved in parkour. Additionally, the championship will serve as a qualifier for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, adding extra incentive for competitors.

This November, Kitakyushu will become the epicenter of the parkour world, bringing together the sport’s top athletes and an international audience eager to witness this thrilling event.