Perurena has reflected on 2022 where he said he was "forced to put politics in the centre [stage]" following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia was intending to send at least 69 athletes across 27 events to the Games, while Belarus was set to be represented by 11 athletes in nine events.

However, a decision was made by the IWGA to bar athletes and officials from the two countries following the International Olympic Committee’s recommendations.

Perurena said the decision to ban Russia and Belarus was "necessary" but "we didn’t like making it".

"Our motto is: the athletes are on centre stage," said Perurena.

"Suddenly we were forced to put politics in the centre.

"We did not like that.

"What we also saw was the solidarity and willingness to help in the world of sport.

"We as the IWGA already handed over a substantial donation for the reconstruction of sports facilities to the Ukraine Sports Committee in March.

"Our member federations have followed suit.

"Sergey Bubka, the chairman of the Ukrainian NOC [National Olympic Committee], was able to receive a cheque for $54,000 (£44,800/€50,800) in Birmingham.

"The Organising Committee had donated one euro from every ticket sold."

When asked for his highlight of the World Games, Perurena said: "There were many, many and I can't even list them all.

"Maybe I'll tell you about my first emotional moment at the World Games 2022.

"When the athletes and officials from Ukraine came into the stadium and the spectators gave them a spontaneous standing ovation, that touched me very much.

"I saw many people cry with emotion; I will not forget this moment for the whole of my life."

The 11th World Games had initially been scheduled to take place in 2022 but was postponed by 12 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 3,600 athletes from 110 countries competed in the event.

The Chinese city of Chengdu is set to stage the next World Games from August 7 to 17 in 2025.

"The Birmingham Games took place a year later than planned because of the pandemic," added Perurena.

"This means we have one year less to prepare for the 12th edition of our event in Chengdu, Peoples Republic of China.

"While we are still evaluating the event in the summer, we have already asked our federations to apply for the programme in three years’ time.

"We have made efforts to engage more NOCs [National Olympic Committees] and NSOs [national sporting organisations] and get them to agree to recognise The World Games as the most important multi-sport event after the Olympic Games.

"This is also in the interest of the national sports federations.

"Many of our disciplines are now on the Olympic programme.

"Those who promote the athletes who compete with us also increase their chances of winning Olympic medals.

"The Belgian NOC has been following this strategy for a long time.

"Coincidence or not, speed skater Bart Swings was the first athlete to win gold at both the Olympic Games and the World Games in one year."