The official mascots for the 2018 Asian Games were unveiled during a ceremony at Jakarta's Presidential Palace in July 2016.

The designs were selected following a competition held by Indonesia’s Creative Economy Board.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo chose the winner from three final candidates, out of 60 entries.

The trio of animal mascots were "Bhin Bhin", "Kaka" and "Atung" and were said to reflect Indonesia’s diversity.

"The energy of Asia lies in the diversity of its culture, heritage, and legacy," the Indonesia Asian Games 2018 Organising Committee said.

"When all these elements come together, they will be a major force to reckon in the world.

"The same principle applies to Indonesia, home to hundreds of ethnic groups speaking many different languages.

"Our founding fathers had envisioned a strong and united nation under the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika philosophy.

"That is why we decided to propose three different animals as the official Games’ mascot."

Select a mascot to find out more.

Bhin Bhin is a bird of paradise that represents strategy and the east of Indonesia. Bhin Bhin's clothing of choice is a vest with Asmat pattern details from Papua, a province of Indonesia.

Bhin Bhin

Kaka is a single-horned rhinoceros that represents strength and the west of Indonesia. Kaka's clothing of choice is Palembang's traditional attire with a flower pattern.

Kaka

Atung is a Bawean deer that represents speed and the central area of Indonesia. Atung's clothing of choice is a saroong with Jakarta's batik's tumpal pattern.

Atung


History of Asian Games Mascots

Since Waidi, a dachshund dog, was chosen as the first official Olympic mascot at the Munich 1972 Games, they have become popular ambassadors for almost every multi-sport event.

The first Asian Games to introduce a mascot was New Delhi 1982 when Appu, an elephant Indian officials claimed represented fidelity, wisdom and strength, was chosen.

At the last Asian Games, in Incheon in 2014, three spotted seal siblings called Barame, Chumuro and Vichuon, meaning wind, dance and light in Korean, were chosen.

According to officials, the mascots were chosen as symbolic to the future peace between South Korea and North Korea.