The 2025 World Masters Games are scheduled to take place in Taipei and New Taipei City ©IMGA

The International Masters Games Association (IMGA) has awarded the 2025 World Masters Games to Taipei and New Taipei City in Taiwan.

Described as the world's largest multi-sport event in terms of participation numbers, the 2025 jamboree will be the 11th edition of the Summer Games.

"The selection of Taipei and New Taipei City will strengthen our strategic positioning in the region and help us continue our mission to grow Masters sport internationally," said Jens V Holm, chief executive of the IMGA.

"Many east Asian Governments understand that, with an ageing population, sport serves not only to maintain long-term health, but also as a tool for inter-generational social integration.

"If we can achieve these goals and at the same time enjoy the immense beauty of Taiwan, then everyone is a winner."

Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, and surrounded by New Taipei City ©Getty Images
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, and surrounded by New Taipei City ©Getty Images

Kansai in Japan is due to stage the 2021 World Masters Games, while North Jeolla in South Korea is scheduled to host the Asia Pacific Masters Games in 2022.

The World Masters Games are open to athletes aged 30 and over.

Toronto hosted the first edition of the World Masters Games in 1985.

The 2025 edition will have two mottos: "sports beyond age" and "life without limits".

Taipei previously hosted the 2017 Summer World University Games.