Thaindian News

New Delhi, Sep 24 (ANI): The mascot for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Shera, visited South Asia’s leading multimedia news agency Asian News International here on Friday.

Employees were delighted on seeing Shera and shook hands with him. They later clicked photographs with Shera, who gave the signal that all is well with the Games.

Shera, the tiger, mascot of the CWG 2010, later danced to A R Rahman created theme song of the XIXth Commonwealth Games ‘Oh Yaaron, Yeh India Bulaa liya’.

Shera is the most visible face of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. His name comes from the Hindi word Sher - meaning tiger. Shera truly represents the modern Indian.

He is an achiever with a positive attitude, a global citizen but justifiably proud of his nation’s ancient heritage, a fierce competitor but with integrity and honesty. Shera is also a ‘large-hearted gentleman’ who loves making friends and enthusing people to ‘come out and play’.

In Indian mythology, the tiger is associated with Goddess Durga, the embodiment of Shakti (or female power) and the vanquisher of evil. She rides her powerful vehicle - the tiger - into combat, especially in her epic and victorious battle against Mahishasur, a dreaded demon.

Shera embodies values that the nation is proud of: majesty, power, charisma, intelligence and grace. His athletic prowess, courage and speed on the field are legendary. He is also a reminder of the fragile environment he lives in and our responsibility towards the protection of his ecosystem.

The mascot began its promotional journey from Delhi University’s Miranda House College on September 1.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on October 3, is India’s biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.

India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states. (ANI)