Brasília 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports medallists take home a symbol of Brazil’s capital city

The medals awarded at the Brasília 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports recognize the outstanding performances of hundreds of university athletes who travelled from across the globe to compete in Brazil’s capital. But beyond their sporting achievements, medallists also received a special gift: a handcrafted sculpture inspired by the candangos, the workers who played a vital role in the construction of Brasília.

The initiative aimed to provide athletes with a keepsake that extended beyond the competition itself, offering a meaningful connection to the history, culture and identity of the host city.

The story of the Candangos
The candangos were workers who came from different regions of Brazil to help build Brasília in record time, turning an ambitious vision into reality. Through dedication, hard work and a strong sense of collective purpose, they contributed to the construction of the Federal Capital, which was inaugurated in 1960 and is now internationally renowned for its unique architecture and urban planning.

By presenting the sculptures to medallists, the event organizers sought to share part of this remarkable story with athletes from many different countries. For many competitors, the championship provided their first introduction to the history of the candangos and the important role they played in shaping one of Brazil’s most iconic cities.

The handcrafted gift also highlights local artistic traditions, strengthening the connection between sport, heritage and cultural identity. Each sculpture represents not only an athletic achievement but also a lasting link between the athletes and the city that welcomed them throughout the championship.

Just as the candangos overcame challenges to build Brasília, university athletes dedicate years of training, discipline and perseverance to pursue their goals. The tribute creates a bridge between these stories of determination, illustrating how great accomplishments are achieved through hard work, commitment and courage.

As a result, the medallists of the Brasília 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports return home with more than a medal. They also carry with them a small piece of Brazilian history, a reminder of the nation’s capital, and a tribute to the people whose efforts helped transform Brasília into a symbol of development, diversity and unity.