The ongoing Asian Games in Indonesia has three mascots — Bhin bhin, the colourful bird of paradise; Atung, the Bawean deer; and Kaka, the one-horned Javan rhino.
A look at other famous figures from the Asiad.
Appu, the Indian Elephant Year: 1982 The mascot of the Asian Games held in New Delhi, Appu provided a sneak peek into India’s culture and outlook. The words, ‘Friendship Fraternity Forever’ in English and Hindi accompanied the image. This was the first time that the Asian Games had a mascot. A real-life elephant was the inspiration behind it.
Hodori, the Amur Tiger Year: 1986
The Seoul 1986 Asian Games had the striped feline as their mascot. Hodori was portrayed as a friendly tiger to represent the country’s hospitality, traditions as well as the friendly nature of the Koreans. Hodori went on to become the mascot of the 1988 Olympics, also held in Seoul.
Pan-Pan, the panda Year: 1990
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The mascot of the 1990 Asian Games that were held in Beijing, Pan-Pan, like Appu, was also based on a real panda — Basi, who became China’s oldest living panda. Holding a medal in one hand and giving a thumbs up, Pan-Pan went on to become one of Asian Games’ most memorable mascots.
Poppo and Cuccu, the white doves Year: 1994 These two were the mascots of the 19 9 4 Asian Games held in Hiroshima, Japan. Poppo and Cuccu were doves that represented the virtues of harmony and peace. The duo reminded many of Donald and Daisy Duck, with their blue and pink outfits. This was the only Asiad to have a male and female mascot.
Duria, the seagull Year: 2002
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Apart from the Asian Games in Busan, South Korea also co-hosted, along with Japan, the FIFA World Cup. To provide a distinct image, Duria the seagull was chosen as the mascot for the Asian Games. The bird, which represented unity between the Asian countries, stood with a message ‘You and me together’.
Orry, the oryx Year: 2006
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During the Games in Doha, the national animal was chosen as the mascot. Orry, a white oryx, cycled at the opening ceremony, after which a giant statue was also unveiled. The antelope with long straight horns, holding a burning torch stood for the nation’s unique identity.
A Xiang, A He, A Ru, A Yi and Le Yangyang, the rams Year: 2010
Five rams were the mascots of the Guangzhou, China Asian Games in 2010. The ram has a long association with the city and represents it in many ways. The names A Xiang, A He, A Ru, A Yi and Le Yangyang when read together mean harmony, blessings, success and happiness.
Barame, Chumuro and Vichuon, the spotted seals Year: 2014
Last day of #diving events.. #azaaza #hwaiting �� #incheonasiangames2014 #barame #chumuro #vichuon and #leongmunyee ���� http://t.co/qL0N8XZxMT
The aquatic trio were the mascots of the 2014 edition of the Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea. Barame, Chumuro and Vichuon symbolised wind, dance and light. They were chosen to symbolise future peace between North and South. The message of the games was ‘Diversity shines here’.
The Gems Of India Continue To Shine Bright: Power Girls Making Us Proud At Asian Games
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She came on the field, she played like a hero and left the stadium with more than a medal. What she wore was a sense of glory, victory and the honour of making her country proud. This is what the winners at the Asian Games have been living.
The ongoing games have seen strong and talented women bring home joy and glory.
Here's a look the women from Team India who are winning our hearts.
In Pic: Tennis player Ankita Raina (L), Shooter Rahi Sarnobat (C) and Wrestler Vinesh Phogat (R).
She came on the field, she played like a hero and left the stadium with more than a medal. What she wore was a sense of glory, victory and the honour of making her country proud. This is what the win..
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Pincky Balhara recently bagged the silver medal at the Asian Games 2018 for Kurash, a martial arts sport. The 19-year old girl had surpassed a serious tragedy at home and still managed to perform exceptionally at the games. The Delhi girl lost three of her family members, including her father, three months before the final event. But these did not become a hurdle in Balhara's way to victory.
Pincky Balhara recently bagged the silver medal at the Asian Games 2018 for Kurash, a martial arts sport. The 19-year old girl had surpassed a serious tragedy at home and still managed to perform e..
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Dipika Pallikal is an Indian professional squash player who won the bronze medal in the squash women's singles event at the Asian Games recently. The 26-year-old hails from Chennai and gained prominence in the year 2011.
Dipika Pallikal is an Indian professional squash player who won the bronze medal in the squash women's singles event at the Asian Games recently. The 26-year-old hails from Chennai and gained promi..
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Swapna Barman created history as she became the first Indian woman to achieve a top podium finish in the gruelling heptathlon event at the Asian Games.
The daughter of a van rickshaw puller, Barman was born with six toes on each foot.
The heptathlon is a seven-event contest which covers a range of track and field events and is spread over two days.
Swapna Barman created history as she became the first Indian woman to achieve a top podium finish in the gruelling heptathlon event at the Asian Games.
The daughter of a van rickshaw puller, Barman ..
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Neena Varakil bagged a silver medal in the women's long jump category. The 27-year old's final winning jump was 6.1 metres, a little lesser than her personal best (6.6 metres).
Neena Varakil bagged a silver medal in the women's long jump category. The 27-year old's final winning jump was 6.1 metres, a little lesser than her personal best (6.6 metres).
Sudha Singh, national 3000m steeplechase champion, won the silver medal in the same event. The 32-year old won the gold medal when the event was first introduced in the Asian Games.
Sudha Singh, national 3000m steeplechase champion, won the silver medal in the same event. The 32-year old won the gold medal when the event was first introduced in the Asian Games.
Hima Das, an Assamese sprinter, grabbed the silver medal in women's 400 metre. The 18-year old broke her own national record by clocking 50.79 seconds.
Hima Das, an Assamese sprinter, grabbed the silver medal in women's 400 metre. The 18-year old broke her own national record by clocking 50.79 seconds.
After Saina Nehwal brought home a bronze medal in the Asian Games, PV Sindhu grabbed the silver medal thereafter. The 23-year old is the first Indian to bring home a silver in women's single badminton event.
After Saina Nehwal brought home a bronze medal in the Asian Games, PV Sindhu grabbed the silver medal thereafter. The 23-year old is the first Indian to bring home a silver in women's single badminto..
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Rahi Sarnobat became the first female Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the Asian Games.
The 27-year-old was up emerged as the winner after two shoot-off rounds.
This is her first major medal since the Commonwealth Games gold in 2014. An elbow injury which she picked up even before Glasgow had set her back for the next two years.
Rahi Sarnobat became the first female Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the Asian Games.The 27-year-old was up emerged as the winner after two shoot-off rounds.This is her first major medal since..
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Freestyle wrestler Divya Kakran brought home the bronze medal in the 68kg category. In just 90 seconds, the 20-year old defeated Taipei's Chen Wenling during the third-place play-off bout.
Freestyle wrestler Divya Kakran brought home the bronze medal in the 68kg category. In just 90 seconds, the 20-year old defeated Taipei's Chen Wenling during the third-place play-off bout.
