Asian Athletics Championships 2023: Thailand make Hindu God 'Lord Hanuman' as official mascot, Here's Why

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Bangkok, Jul 11: The Asian Athletics Championships 2023 start here in Thailand on Wednesday (July 12). The event is being held on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the continental governing body.

As per the customs of such competitions, the local administration and organising committee revealed the mascot for the multi-sporting continental event.

The official mascot of the Asian Athletics Championships has 'Lord Hanuman', one of the most revered Hindu gods in India.

Lord Hanuman Official Mascot of Asian Athletics Championships

Explaining the reason why the monkey-god has been made the mascot of the competition, the Asian Athletics Association on its website claimed Lord Hanuman is the epitome of strength, speed, courage and wisdom,

"As Hanuman exhibits extraordinary abilities in (Lord) Rama's service, including speed, strength, courage, and wisdom... Hanuman's greatest ability is, in fact, his incredibly staunch loyalty and devotion," the website said.

"The 25th Asian Athletics Championships 2023 logo indicates the athletes participating in the games, skills, teamwork of athletes, showcase of athleticism, dedication, and sportsmanship," it added further.

Thai Hanuman features in the Ramakien, the Thai adaptation of Ramayana. Murals at Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew depict him playing Sepak Takraw in a ring.

The Indian contingent will be led by shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor and long jumper Murali Sreeshankar in the Asian Athletics Championships. A 54-member original Indian team departed on Saturday (July 8) to participate in the continental showpiece in Thailand.

Asian Athletics Championships will provide a perfect opportunity for athletes not just from India but also the other Asian countries, to prepare well for the Asian Games 2023, scheduled to be held between September 23 and October 8 in Hangzhou, China.

India were dealt with a massive blow after the trio of world season leader long jumper Jeswin Aldrin, triple jumper Praveen Chitravel - Asia's best this year - and medal prospect javelin thrower Rohit Yadav pulled out of the continental showpiece due to their respective injuries.

In Aldrin's absence, Murali Sreeshankar, the world number two this season with his 8.81m effort last month, will be the top contender for the men's long jump gold.

India can still expect at least a medal in men's javelin throw, despite Rohit Yadav's absence, from DP Manu who is the best in the field with his 84.33m effort earlier this year.