Iwaasa to experience World Games

By Lethbridge Herald on August 1, 2025.

Mckenzie Brayley PHOTO Coby Iwaasa, in grey, and Sam Murray battle in the MenÕs Open Singles Division Final at the National Championships in May. Iwaasa is off to China to compete in the World Games later this month.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Local racquetball phenom Coby Iwaasa is preparing to represent Canada at a new event for himself in the World Games later this month in China.

The World Games is a competition that includes  multiple sports and disciplines that do not fall under an Olympic  Games programme.

“I feel really happy with my play right now and how I’m hitting the ball,” said Iwaasa, on how he feels about his game going in.

Iwaasa is also feeling good about his consistent play and his statistics.

Iwaasa is preparing for World Games with scheduled training that is high.

“Currently I’m (on) a schedule where I’m trying to peak for this game,” said Iwaasa.

Iwaasa anticipates this to be a new experience to him because of what level the World Games are   at as an event.

“For racquetball, we’re not an Olympic sport, so there are  a few tournaments that are highly sought after as an athlete for racquetball,” said Iwaasa.

“There is the difference of just the whole process of getting to this and then finally competing there after all  your hard work has earned you the spot there.”

Iwaasa likes to learn  when he goes to these high-profile games, and it will be no different at the World Games.

“My ability to adapt, my ability to learn on the spot, all of those will be tested, and that’s something I look forward to,” said Iwaasa.

Iwaasa talked about how he plans to ride the high of winning two gold medals from the Canada National Championships in May.

“Every single win that I have is an incremental confidence booster,” said Iwaasa.

“I had a few wins in the last year or two against top quality professional racquetball athletes that have definitely pushed me in the right direction.”

Iwaasa qualified through his rankings at  Canadian events and the world championship.

Racquetball runs from Aug. 13 to end of the games on Aug. 17.

The World Games are from Aug. 7-17 in Chengdu, China.