Who are the Mascots for the 2018 Winter Olympics? Know Everything About Soohorang, The Pyeongchang Winter Games Mascot
Meanwhile, Bandabi, an Asiatic black bear is chosen as the mascot of 2018 Winter Paralympics also to be held in Pyeongchang, Gangwon, South Korea.
Pyeongchang in South Korea is all set to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXIII Olympic Winter Games. The multi-sport event will commence with the opening ceremony on February 9 and last until February 25, 2018. With tournament fast approaching, the sports enthusiasts are curious to know about who are the mascots for the 2018 Winter Olympics? Soohorang, a white tiger is the official mascot of Pyeongchang Winter Games.
Soohorang Meaning
Soohorang, a white tiger was approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 2, 2016, while the journey of figuring out the mascot for Pyeongchang Winter Olympics had begun two years before it with the Pyeongchang Organizing Committee notifying the public about their mascot selection contest.
The name Soohorang is derived from the Korean words ‘sooho’ meaning ‘protection’ and ‘rang’ comes from the middle letter of ‘Ho-rang-i’ meaning for ‘tiger’. It is also the last letter of ‘Jeong-seon A-ri-rang’ an admired traditional folk song of Gangwon Province, where the Winter Games 2018 is going to be held.
Why is Soohorang Selected as 2018 Winter Olympics Mascot?
The tiger is symbolic of trust, strength and protection and the animal is also closely related to Korean mythology. In fact, considered Koren’s guardian angel, according to organizers Soohorang is not only a representation of challenging spirit and passion but also is a trustworthy friend who protects the athletes, spectators and all participants in the Olympic Games. Soohorang which is white in colour also evokes its connection to the snow and ice of winter multi-sports tournament.
Watch Soohorang, the mascot of Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018!
IOC Member Gunilla Lindberg, the Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, praised the mascot choice. She said, “It’s a beautiful animal, strongly associated with Korean culture. It also symbolises the close link between the Olympic Winter Games and the natural environment. I’m sure the new mascot will be very popular with Koreans and people around the world.”
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 08, 2018 06:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).