Judo Worlds celebrate Qatar’s heritage with medals made of Zekreet sand

In an initiative to highlight the Unesco-recognised heritage site of Zekreet in Qatar, the local organising committee of the World Judo Championships - Doha 2023 has revealed the design of the championships medals, which contain sand sourced from the historic Zekreet region in the northwest of the country.Incorporating this sand into the medals is a fitting tribute to the nation’s deep connection with its past and flourishing modern culture.The tournament organisers have stated that each medal has 28.8 grams of carefully chosen sand. This creates a connection between the athletes’ journey from beginning to end and the inspirational narrative of Qatar’s progress and advancement.The medals are an embodiment of the city’s heritage and authenticity, in addition to showcasing Doha modern infrastructure.Abdulla al-Marri, Deputy Director of the Marketing, Communications, Opening, and Closing Committee, stated: "We wanted to create an unforgettable experience for the World Judo Championships in Doha, and nothing is better than mixing the historical heritage of our country into the medals themselves. The sand used from the Zekreet is not just a natural element, it carries the essence of heritage and represents our commitment to preserving and celebrating our unique national identity.”The gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to the winners based on the total points, with 660 players from 99 countries expected to compete in the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena during the period of May 7-14, 2023.