14th Asian Games: Busan 2002

The 14th Asian Games were held in Busan, South Korea, from Sept 29 to Oct 14, 2002.

A total of 6,572 athletes from 44 countries competed at the event. It was the first time in the history of the Asian Games that all 44 member nations of the Olympic Council of Asia participated.

Body building made its debut as an event at these games.

Emblem of the 14th Asian Games [Photo/ocasia.org]

The emblem of the 14th Asian Games consisted of tai chi, which symbolized the host venues of South Korea and Busan, and the blue waves of the sea.

Tai chi represents the Asian spiritual culture of yin-yang harmony. The waves extending outwards reflected the spirit and ambition to forge ahead and not be afraid of challenges.

The intermeshing patterns took the shape of the tiles in traditional Korean architecture.

The image of two dynamic forces meshing and rotating in the center vividly showed the Asian concept of unity.

Mascot of the 14th Asian Games [Photo/ocasia.org]

The mascot of the 14th Asian Games was the city bird of Busan – a flying seagull.

Its name is Duria, which means Durative Asia. The name also has the meaning of you and me together in Korean.