Doha, May 8 – RIA Novosti. The organizing committee of the World Judo Championship in Qatar has unveiled the design of the sand medals for the championship. The sand used in the medals was sourced from the historical region of Zekreet in the northwest of the country to draw attention to this UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site, said Abdullah al-Marry, the deputy director of the committee, to journalists.

Zekreet, located on the western coast of Qatar, is famous for its ancient structures, including an 18th-century fort.

“We wanted to create unforgettable impressions of the Judo World Championship in Doha, and there is nothing better than incorporating the historical heritage of our country into the medals themselves. The sand from Zekreet is not just a natural element; it carries the essence of our heritage and represents our commitment to preserving and glorifying our unique national identity. Each medal contains 28.8 grams of carefully selected sand,” al-Marry explained.

According to him, the medals embody the legacy and authenticity of the city while showcasing the modern infrastructure of Qatar’s capital, Doha.

The opening ceremony of the Judo World Championship, featuring Russian athletes, will take place on Monday in the capital city of Doha. By the decision of the Executive Committee of the International Judo Federation (IJF), judokas from Russia and Belarus will be able to participate in the tournament as individual neutral athletes, competing for spots at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The Ukrainian national team has decided to boycott the World Championship due to the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus.

Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to the winners based on their total points. It is expected that 660 players from 99 countries will compete at the Ali bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Arena from May 7 to May 14, 2023.

Incorporating sand from the historical region of Zekreet into the medals for the World Judo Championship in Qatar is an interesting and unique approach. It highlights the country’s cultural heritage and adds a distinctive touch to the championship. The use of locally sourced materials can be seen as a way to celebrate national identity and showcase the modern infrastructure of Doha