The medals for the event, due to run from from May 21 to June 6, will also stand out because of their special large diameter of 10 centimetres, with each one weighing more than 400 grams.

Their design includes the official logo of the Championship - a hockey player on the background of a stylised hockey field.

The theme of the logo continues around the perimeter of the medal.

The text "IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship" and the host country and city - "Riga Latvia" - are engraved on the outer edge of the medals.

"We wanted to use a strong and clear hockey symbol in the medal design and we are very satisfied with the result," said Organising Committee head Edgars Buncis.

"We have also not forgotten about the national symbol of Latvia, the host country, and it will be presented in the ribbons.

"The medal ceremony and receiving the trophy is one of the most emotional moments at every sport tournament.

"After 17 days and 64 games, we will find out which national teams will bring these medals home."

The Championship had been due to be jointly hosted by Riga and Minsk, but the IIHF removed Belarus as co-host for security reasons following a Government crackdown on people protesting against controversial President Alexander Lukashenko.

The design of the medals was developed in close cooperation with the Latvian Coin House.

"It was a great honour for our company to design the medals of the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship," said Latvian Coin House marketing manager Gints Rijnieks.

"Although designing and producing coins and medals is our business and what we do every day, this project was a big challenge - especially because of the very limited deadlines.

"Great efforts were made to create the design of these beautiful medals, their production and timely delivery.

"We are more than satisfied with the result.

"We are sure that the athletes will like them as well."