A giant panda named Rongbao will be the mascot for the 2021 Summer Universiade in Chengdu. (Photo from the organizating committee of the 31st Summer Universiade.)
A panda called Rongbao will serve as the mascot for the 2021 Summer Universiade in Chengdu, with the tournament slogan to be "Chengdu Makes Dreams Come True".
Both were revealed at a press conference in Chengdu Universiade Village, Sichuan Province on Monday, which also revealed the design of the competition's logo.
The main part of the logo is developed from the letter "U", in line with the logo of the International University Sports Federation. It also evokes inspiration from the sunbird, a symbol of ancient Sichuan culture, which embodies people's desire and resolve to better themselves.
Mascot Rongbao appears with a torch in his hand. With Sichuan being the natural habitat of the giant panda, the animal has long been linked with Sichuan province and its capital city Chengdu.
The flame above the torch is in the shape of "31", denoting the 31st edition of the Universiade, and Rongbao's ears, eyes and tail are all in the shape of flame. The panda's facial features also resemble the style of make-up used in Sichuan's traditional opera.
The 2021 Summer Universiade will be held from August 8 to 19, 2021. Over 10,000 student athletes from more than 170 countries and regions are expected to participate.
