Today marks a significant milestone in the countdown to the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 as the official mascots and emblem have been officially unveiled. Loopy and Chopy, the official mascots, embody the spirit and essence of the events, taking inspiration from the beloved seagull, a ubiquitous sight in Busan.
Loopy, the vibrant and playful mascot, is equipped with a red racket and loves to jump around in all directions. Her name was inspired by the ‘loop-drive’, a popular table tennis stroke used to add topspin to the ball, making her an ideal ambassador for the game.
Chopy, on the other hand, is a deliberate and precise player, representing the table tennis ‘chop-shot,’ renowned for adding a backspin to the ball. His black racket adds to his elegance and style, making him an excellent complement to his energetic counterpart.
With their distinct face paintings and charming hairstyles, Loopy and Chopy boast irresistible cuteness and are sure to captivate the hearts of fans around the world. Their introduction will serve as an inspiration for the younger generation, attracting more young people to the sport and cultivating a new generation of table tennis players.
The emblem was created to highlight the beauty of Korea and its host city, Busan, while also embodying the values of sportsmanship and harmony. Its thoughtful design and use of symbolism create a strong and memorable identity for the event.
The circle in the top-right corner of the emblem represents the rising sun while, the circular background shape represents the sky and reflects the natural beauty of the Moon Jar, a famous Korean artwork that embodies the country’s aesthetic sense.
Its central trophy-like shape represents two athletes shaking hands in a symbol of respect and friendly competition, with the motif taken from Busan’s iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
The overall shape of the emblem resembles a table tennis racket and ball, further emphasizing the connection to sports. The use of the blue and red colours from the Republic of Korea’s national flag provides a sense of national pride and identity.
Speaking about the mascot, ITTF President Petra Sörling said, “The unveiling of Loopy and Chopy as the official mascots for the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 has filled us with great excitement. We recognise the ability of mascots to engage and captivate audiences, particularly the younger generation. Loopy and Chopy will inspire more young people to take up the sport and cultivate a new generation of table tennis players.”
Ryu Seung-min, IOC Member, President of the Korean Table Tennis Association, and President of the Organizing Committee of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 said, “The Busan local organizing committee is fully committed to ensuring the successful delivery of the ITTF World Championships Finals. After the cancellation of event scheduled in 2020 due to COVID-19, we are grateful for the new opportunity to showcase our ability to host this prestigious event and provide table tennis enthusiasts with the experience they deserve.” He added, “I would like to thank our designers who created these mascots and emblem with creativity and inspiration. The Busan local organizing committee will maximize in using them to promote the event.”
The ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals 2024 will be held in Busan. The event is scheduled to take place from February 16 to 25, 2024, at the BEXCO Convention Centre. This will be the first time Korea is hosting a World Table Tennis Championships.
Men’s and women’s events will each feature 40 teams. The host country will receive an automatic entry if not qualified through the pathway. Another 33 teams will gain places via a continental stage in which all ITTF member associations can compete. The remaining six places will be determined by intercontinental qualification.
