During his time in Birmingham in the United States Bach watched competition in boules, racquetball, ultimate frisbee, wushu, beach handball and korfball.

As part of the visit, Bach also hosted a breakfast at the Headquarters Hotel, when he presented a commemorative gift to International World Games Association President Jose Perurena.

The gift is a sculpture depicting an overhead view of the roof of the International Olympic Committee’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

"Our house is also your house," Bach said to the guests as he presented Perurena with the sculpture.

Speaking after visiting various venues Bach said: "The World Games show the diversity of sports, and we see how sports develop and grow.

"Wushu used to be dominated by China. After the competition section I saw today, an American was ahead."

Bach was accompanied for his visit by Perurena, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Organising Committee chair Jonathan Porter and Birmingham 2022 chief executive Nick Sellers.

"The World Games family and the Olympic family are closely connected, and I know Thomas Bach likes The World Games very much," said Perurena.

The multi-sport event, for sports not on the Olympic programme, is scheduled to run until Sunday (July 17).

In total, 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and more than 100 countries are due to compete.