New Delhi: Lord Hanuman has been selected as the mascot of the 25th Asian Athletics Championships in Thailand for his “speed, strength, courage, and wisdom”.
The organizers of the games, the Asian Athletics Association, mentioned that Hanuman exhibits these “extraordinary abilities in (Lord) Rama’s service”, but his greatest strength lies in his “loyalty and devotion”.
Hanuman on the logo represents the athletes participating in the games who would demonstrate similar skills, teamwork, athleticism, dedication, and sportsmanship.
Thailand, although predominantly a Hindu nation, showcases Hindu influences through its culture, architecture, and heritage. Its association with India dates back two centuries through transoceanic trade and later migration from India in the 19th century.
The renowned Thai epic “Ramakien” is based on the Buddhist “Dasaratha Jataka”, a Thai version of the “Ramayana”.
The five-day championship, which commenced on Wednesday, is being hosted by Thailand and includes the participation of eight other countries – India, Hong Kong, Japan, Republic of Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, and Singapore.
The Asian Athletics Association, the governing body of athletes in the continent, will celebrate its 50th year in 2023.
The Indian contingent, led by shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, has so far secured a bronze medal through Abhishek Pal in the 10,000-meter walk event.
Tejaswin Shankar had a promising first day in the decathlon, finishing at the top with 4,124 points. He might just win his first gold medal.
Noteworthy Indian track-and-field athletes who will also compete in Bangkok include Jyothi Arraji, who holds a national record in the 100-meter hurdles, long jumpers Murali Sreeshankar and Shaili Singh, as well as former Asian Games champions Jinson Johnson (1500m) and Swapna Burman (heptathlon).
The championship is taking place after a four-year gap, as the 2021 edition in Hangzhou, China was canceled due to COVID-19.
India’s performance in the 2019 games in Doha resulted in 16 medals – two gold, seven silver, and seven bronze.
India’s best performance at the Asian Athletics Championships was in Bhubaneswar in 2017, where Indian athletes won a total of 27 medals, including nine golds.
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