The Asian Games mascots are fictional characters, usually an animal native to the area or human figures, who represent the cultural heritage of the place where the Asian Games are taking place. The mascots are often used to help market the Asian Games to a younger audience. Every Asian Games since 1982 has its own mascot. Appu, the mascot for the 1982 Asian Games, was the first mascot.
Elephants are admired in Thailand for their big stature, fortitude and strength. The mascot's name "Chai-yo", means "hurrah" in Thai and represents unity and solidarity.[2]
Seagulls are sometimes called the city bird of Busan. The mascot's name, "Duria", is a combination of the two words 'Durative' and 'Asia'. It can also mean "You and Me Together" in the Korean language and expresses the ideal of the Games: to promote unity and partnership among Asian countries.[3]
The oryx is a native antelope of the Middle East and the national animal of Qatar. Orry was chosen by the games' Organising Committee to represent energy, determination, sportsmanship spirit, commitment, enthusiasm, participation, respect, peace and fun.[4]
The Chinese character "yang," or "goat," is an auspicious symbol because, when read together, the Chinese names of the five rams are a message of blessing, literally meaning "harmony, blessings, success and happiness" (祥和如意樂洋洋).[6] Guangzhou is also called "the Goat City" (羊城) or "Five Goats City" (五羊城).
The mascots' name means wind, dance and light in Korean. According to the organizers, the mascots were chosen as symbolic to the future peace between South Korea and North Korea.[8]
The mascots reflect Indonesia's diversity with three animals, each from different regions in Indonesia. Bhin Bhin wear a vest with Asmat traditional motifs from the Papua, Eastern Indonesia Region, which symbolize strategy. Atung wear a batik tumpal sarong from Central Indonesian Region, which symbolizes speed and a "Never give up fighting" spirit. Kaka (originally named Ika) wear a flower motif from Palembang'sSongket scraf that represents Western Indonesia Region, which symbolize power.[10]
In traditional Chinese culture, the tiger, as a symbol of auspiciousness, is endowed with lots of positive qualities, among which integrity, strength, and courage are highly compatible with the spirit of the Olympic Games.
Special characteristic of the southern central coastal region of Vietnam is famous for its bird nests - a product of high economic value in general and a specialty of Da Nang in particular.
The eld's deer is the indigenous animal reputed as the "Elf of Hainan Island" and a Class I Key Protected Species in China. The first "ya" of the mascot's name comes from "Sanya", and the second one comes from Asia, whose Chinese name is "Yazhou".
The blue and athletic elephant was named Hey and the yellow and plump one was Há. They were to convey the meaning of amusement, merriment and relaxation, thus in a way reflecting the natures of the Asian Indoor Games a great deal.
The Hồ chicken is a distinctly Vietnamese rare breed of chicken, familiar as a symbol in Vietnam. According to folklore, the chicken have the five qualities of a man of honour: literacy, martial arts, physical strength, humanity and loyalty.
"Hanuman" is a white – creamy super monkey from Ramakien and considers it as the God of the ape which has every kind of fighting skill with strong determination of great success.[15]
The mascot's name means loyal friend in Turkmen. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog, locally known as Alabai is renowned as a courageous animal for many centuries has helped Turkmen shepherds to safeguard flocks of cattle in heavy conditions.[16]
The official mascot depicting a fighting parrot wearing a mongkhon (a type of headgear worn by Muay Thai athletes) who has intelligence, agility and a fighting spirit, making a gesture of inviting athletes and sports competitors to the victory of friendship.[17]
The mascot's name, "Frasia", means Friends of Asia.[18] The mascot embodies the values and spirit of the Asian Youth Games. The sprightly lion exemplifies friendship, respect and excellence. It constitutes a spirited representation of young hearts and minds in pursuit of sporting excellence.[19]
