Planting the seeds of youth and friendship, athletes from various countries explore the mascot of the "Panda Love" at the Universiade | Athletes | Universiade
Since the opening of the 31st Summer Universiade in Chengdu, the amiable and adorable mascot "Rongbao" has undoubtedly been the most concrete expression of China's sincere emotions of "having friends come from afar, it's not a pleasure". The ubiquitous panda element brings joy and surprise to athletes from all over the world, while also planting the seeds of youthful friendship.
Giant Panda Sesame. Photo by Guangming Net reporter Dong Tengfei
On August 1st, at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, the prototype of the mascot "Rongbao" - a 6-year-old male giant panda named "Sesame" sat on the ground, half lifted his body and put fresh bamboo into his mouth, chewing it with relish. "Now is the breakfast time for Sesame, and an adult giant panda needs to eat about 50 kilograms of bamboo every day." According to the staff, "Sesame" had a small black dot on its mouth that resembled sesame when it was born, and its mother's name was Zhizhi. Finally, it was named after Sesame.
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The athletes who came to visit raised their phones and took photos with the giant panda, recording a beautiful scene. Athlete Fanny from Hungary won two gold medals in artistic gymnastics at this year's Universiade. After seeing a giant panda for the first time, she exclaimed, "I finally came here to fulfill my dream of a giant panda!"
Athletes from all over the world are raising their phones to capture giant panda cubs. Photo by Guangming Net reporter Dong Tengfei
The appearance of giant panda cubs surprised athletes from all over the world present. Photo by Guangming Net reporter Dong Tengfei
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During the exploration period, the appearance of giant panda cubs surprised the athletes present. The sleeping panda cub occasionally moved its body and raised its palm as if waving to the athletes who came to check in, causing cheers from the whole audience. A foreign athlete gathered in front of a panda cub incubator excitedly said, "It's really amazing, it's so cute.".
Athletes from all over the world choose giant panda souvenirs. Photo by Zhou Yuhan, journalist from Guangming Network
There is also a long queue for purchasing giant panda souvenirs in the giant panda souvenir store on the first floor of Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Various and intricately designed panda objects, whether held or carried, crowded the hands of athletes.
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After the visit, several foreign athletes expressed that the opening ceremony of the Chengdu Universiade was very exciting. The spirit of hard work and competition demonstrated by Chinese athletes on the Universiade field, as well as the warm hospitality of the Chinese people both inside and outside the field, left a deep impression on them. They hope to personally visit and experience more Chinese culture in the coming days.
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