2025 Chengdu World Games medal design unveiled: 'Chasing the Light'

The design of the medals for the 12th IWGA World Games, which will take place in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, in August, was unveiled on Thursday.

The "Zhuguang" nickname for the medals literally translates to "bamboo light," and also sounds similar to "chasing the light" in Chinese.

Inspired by local culture and rooted in a philosophy of sharing, the medal design's elements include a Golden Sun Bird motif and the iconic panda, symbols closely associated with Chengdu.

Each medal also includes a detachable pin at the center, which athletes can gift to someone significant, further conveying the spirit of gratitude and connection.

The front of the medal features the emblem of the International World Games Association, surrounded by the event's name in both Chinese and English. Engraved with flowing contour lines representing Chengdu's skyline and the ancient Golden Sun Bird pattern, the design evokes layers of light, symbolizing Chinese civilization and the enduring flame of the sporting spirit.

On the back, the event's official logo is set against a background inspired by bamboo, which represents resilience and integrity in Chinese culture. The segmental bamboo design, combined with the image of panda mascot "Shubao," is aimed at expressing the competition's core values of peace and friendship through sport.

The centerpiece of the medal, which features a detachable metal pin, is especially unique. Opening the medal reveals a reversible pin – one side depicts "Jinzai," a golden snub-nosed monkey native to Sichuan, while the other side features the Chengdu 2025 logo encircled by the Golden Sun Bird.

At the heart of the medal sits a hibiscus, the city flower of Chengdu, epitomizing lasting friendship and the blooming vitality of Chinese sports.

The medal ribbon incorporates imagery from the Golden Sun Bird, the Sanxingdui gold mask, and hibiscus motifs. It also features Shu embroidery, an element of China's national intangible cultural heritage.

The 2025 World Games will be held from August 7 to 17, featuring 34 sports and 60 disciplines.