The games is one of the world’s major sporting events, with nearly 25,000 amateur sportsmen taking part every four years.
There are 22 types of games. For most of the games, there is no qualification criteria other than age, with some games restricted to those aged above 35.
This means most people can compete, either to win or simply have fun.
Unlike the Olympics, all athletes in WMG represent themselves, not their country.
Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tunku Imran Tuanku Jaafar said this was a proud moment for Malaysia as it was given the honour to host the first games in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Having seen many successful Masters games held abroad, I believe it would vastly benefit our national athletes in the long run.
“The games would also have a multiplier effect by attracting more sports tourists, as the Masters has a wide fan base,” he said at the signing ceremony between the organisers and the Penang government.
Penang state Sports Committee chairman Chong Eng had bid for the hosting rights last year in Nice, France.
The Penang games are co-organised by the state government and Malaysia Major Events (MME), as supporting partner. MME is contributing RM1 million to the event.
MME is a division of the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, an agency under the tourism and culture ministry.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Penang was an ideal place for the event as it had many well maintained and state-of-the-art sports facilities.
He also announced that the state government was contributing RM4.5 million for the event.
Lim revealed that auditors estimated that tourists attending the event were likely to spend at least RM10 million.
“I would like to encourage Penangites to take part in the games. Take up the challenge to train and participate in at least one event.
“We anticipate to collect RM2 million from registration and package fees from the event.
“For Penangites, we will provide you special participation fees. Follow our updates closely,” Lim said in his speech.
International Masters Games Association chief executive officer Jens Holm said Penang was special as it was hosting the games outside its usual circuit.
He said previously the games were mostly held in Europe and Pan-American countries.
“I cannot think of a better place like Southeast Asia and Penang. The mix of tourist spots and sports facilities available here is just right,” Holm said.
Earlier, Holm signed a host city contract with the Penang government, represented by Chong Eng.
Holm also signed a support agreement with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, represented by MME general manager Tony Nagamaiah.
The exchange of letters was witnessed by Lim and Tunku Imran.
The first WMG was held in Toronto, Canada, in 1985.
In 2021, it will be held in Kansai, Japan.