Asia, the world’s largest and most diverse continent, has been hosting an extraordinary sporting extravaganza every four years known as the Asian Games, or Asiad.
This multi-sport event unites athletes from across the continent in a celebration of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. With the latest edition held in Hangzhou, China, the Asian Games continue to symbolise regional pride and international recognition.
The significance of the Asian Games is underscored by their recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
These games are hailed as the second-largest multi-sport event globally, trailing only the Olympic Games in scale and magnitude. As a result, they attract some of the finest athletes from across the continent, promoting camaraderie, friendship, and healthy competition on an international stage.
Taking centre stage were three robot mascots named Chenchen, Congcong, and Lianlian.
They are also ambassadors of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
WATCH: 19th Asian Games: Mascots inspired by Hangzhou cultural heritage
The mascots, which take the form of three adorable robots, mark a combination of cultural heritage and modern elements of the leading host city of Hangzhou.
“First, we conducted on-site inspections. Second, we researched previous editions of the games. And last, of all, we communicated with professional athletes to ensure that the athletic poses of our mascots were dynamic, energetic, and impressive. Additionally, the mascots should be enthusiastic and passionate,” said Mascot Chief Designer, Zhang Wen.
Zhang visited almost every nook and cranny of the city and decided to design three mascots to represent Hangzhou’s three major heritages – the Liangzhu civilisation that dates back over 5,000 years, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal with a history of over 2,000 years, and the West Lake.
There are three ancient bridge arches on the forehead of Chenchen. They represent the reflection of Gongchen Bridge on the Grand Canal.
Moreover, they also resemble intelligent cameras, showcasing technological innovation. The interwoven lotus leaf patterns on the top of Lianlian symbolise the interconnection of all things and evoke a poetic sense of lakes and mountains.
*CGTN is a BGTN content partner.
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