The sporting landscape in Paraguay is set for a major transformation with the launch of the National Sports Games. The championship is a joint initiative by the National Sports Secretariat and the Paraguayan Olympic Committee. The inaugural Games will bring together promising young athletes from across the country.
The ambitious new event aims to be a cornerstone for developing and decentralising national athletic talent. There will be sporting events from 28 October to 8 November but the opening ceremony is on 31 October. Representatives from the Departments met with the Government this week to finish the preparative.
Strengthening local sports, and scouting talent
The core aims of the National Sports Games are multifaceted. The first two goals are to strengthen local sports talent and effectively decentralise sports away from the capital. The other goals are to identify new prospects, improve sports infrastructure, and actively promote inclusion within the national sports arena. The competition is specifically targeting young talents born in 2002 or after.
These athletes will represent proudly either their respective Departments or Asunción. The first edition will feature a packed schedule, with competitors vying for medals in 19 sports, and 24 disciplines.
The National Sports Games are following the 2025 Junior Pan American Games and the attribution of the 2031 Pan American Games.
National Sports Games competitions
The debut edition of the National Sports Games promises a broad and diverse competitive programme. The event will feature an extensive array of disciplines designed to showcase young talent from across Paraguay. The schedule is set to include fundamental Olympic disciplines such as athletics, boxing, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, taekwondo, and fencing.
Team and ball sports will be strongly represented with basketball 3×3, handball, futsal FIFA, futsal, rugby 7, beach soccer, and beach volleyball. Completing the line-up is technical and water-based events, including cycling, skating, rowing, aquatic sports, tennis, and table tennis.
Venues and support for delegations
Competitions of the National Sports Games will primarily be held across two expensive sports parks:
- The Paraguayan Olympic Park, which will host twelve separate sports venues.
- The National Sports Secretariat Complex, featuring seven sports venues.
In addition to these main hubs, four independent venues will also be utilised: the Asunción riverfront, Asunción Bay, the El Delta Complex, and the Luque Circuit.
All participating delegations will receive comprehensive support packages, including lodging, transportation, meals, medical services, travel insurance, and training. This will ensure the athletes can focus entirely on their performance.
Significant investment and prizes
In a strong show of commitment, the inaugural National Sports Games will award a substantial total prize pool of Gs. 500 million (approximately US$70,500).
However, the prizes will not be distributed as personal cash awards. Instead, they are designed to provide a lasting legacy for local sports development, consisting of sports equipment, sports coaching programmes, and/or investments in sports infrastructure. The breakdown of the prizes for the top three delegations is as follows:
First place: Gs. 300 million (approximately US$42,000; Equipement, Coaching, and/or Infrastructure).
Second place: Gs. 150 million (approximately US$21,000; Equipement, Coaching, and/or Infrastructure).
Third place: Gs. 50 million (approximately US$7,000; Equipement, Coaching, and/or Infrastructure).
This strategic approach to prize-giving underscores the organisers’ commitment to using the Games as a catalyst for long-term improvement and development in regional Paraguayan sport.
For more information about how to see the National Sports Games and buy tickets, you can follow the Paraguayan Olympic Committee on Instagram.
