ANOC reveal Bali 2023 logo, message of solidarity promoted

The ANOC World Beach Games' second edition, which features men's and women's beach handball, will take place in Bali, Indonesia, between 5 and 15 August 2023 and the logo is centred around the traditional Bali symbol of a Barong mask.

It comprises many individual elements representing Bali and the beach, with the mask representing good against evil (Rangda) in Balinese mythology.

Colours of red, blue and yellow dominate, with the red representing Indonesia, the yellow representing the sand and the sun and blue referencing the clear sky and sea, incorporating elements of the design of the Qatar 2019 logo.  

However, the level of detail and meaning in the Barong design itself is fascinating. 

Starting from the top, the world-famous Lenpuyang Temple is a pride of place, surrounded by two sea waves. Further down, a yellow flower made of shells sits in an ear, referencing how Balinese men traditionally dance with flowers in their ears before a fight or competition. 

The ears themselves are made of leaves in a nod to the variety of vegetation in abundance in Bali. The teeth of the mask cleverly incorporate the design of 'Jukung', traditional Balinese fishing boats which are so integral to the region's story, while if you look carefully, you can see shapes resembling fish and crabs on the forehead.

Finally, the eyes and nose themselves evoke the sun and swimmers playing with balls and waving a flag in the sea.

The logo was revealed at the 26th Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly in Seoul, Korea Republic, on Wednesday this week (19 October). ANOC are the governing body responsible for the World Beach Games.

On its opening, the General Assembly promoted a message of solidarity and unity, with 187 National Olympic Committees attending in person and 16 online.

The President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol, alongside IOC President Dr Thomas Bach were also in attendance.

Speaking during the ANOC General Assembly, Acting ANOC President Robin Mitchell said:

"We in ANOC should not for take for granted just how significant and unique it is to host an event attended by representatives from nearly 200 countries. As a global NOC family we are made up of so many different cultures and backgrounds.

"But as an international organisation of 204 NOCs, our strength comes in our diversity. It comes from our understanding that not everyone thinks in the same way as we do. And that we are stronger when we work together."

The first edition of the ANOC World Beach Games took place in Doha, Qatar, in 2019, with Denmark's women and Brazil's men winning the inaugural beach handball titles.

To read more about the women's competition from 2019 click here, for the men's competition, click here. 

For more information about ANOC, visit here.