SAMBO Athletes to Compete for a Unique Medal at The World Games 2025

The official medal design for The World Games 2025 was unveiled in Chengdu, China. The medal, named Zhuguang – meaning "Bamboo Light" – will be awarded to winners across all sports at the Games, including Combat SAMBO, which will take place on August 13-14.

A Design Rooted in Culture

The Zhuguang medal features design elements inspired by Chinese cultural heritage and Chengdu’s identity. The front of the medal presents the IWGA logo surrounded by the event’s name in both English and Chinese. Subtle ridges reflect the city’s skyline, and traditional motifs such as the "Sun and Immortal Birds" ornament add cultural depth.

The back of the medal draws from the image of bamboo, a symbol of resilience in Chinese tradition. At its center is the TWG 2025 Chengdu logo alongside a silhouette of "Shu Bao", the Games' panda mascot. Inside the medal, a blooming hibiscus – Chengdu’s city flower – symbolizes friendship and growth through sport.

Removable Badge and Sustainable Materials

One of the most distinctive features of the medal is a hidden, detachable badge. A gentle twist reveals a metal piece that can be worn as a keepsake or pendant. One side of the badge features a golden snub-nosed monkey, while the other shows the TWG 2025 logo with the "Sun and Immortal Birds" design.

The badge is made from recycled metal sourced from decommissioned vehicles in Chengdu’s Longquanyi District, known as the city's automotive hub. This reflects the organizers’ commitment to sustainability and the reuse of industrial materials.

SAMBO at The World Games

The Combat SAMBO tournament at The World Games 2025 will span two days, with individual competitions in both men’s and women’s divisions, as well as a mixed team event. All matches will be held at the Jianyang Cultural and Sports Center Gymnasium, which has a seating capacity of over 4,000 and previously hosted the 2023 FISU World University Games.

SAMBO is the only new sport added to The World Games 2025 program compared to the previous edition in Birmingham. It previously appeared at the Games in 1985 (London, UK) and 1993 (The Hague, Netherlands). FIAS has been a member of the International World Games Association (IWGA) since 2021.