REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- In the midst of busy training and competition schedules, international athletes involved in the 2018 Asian Games took time to buy souvenirs of the world's second largest multi-sports competition. The most sought after souvenirs were the stuffed animal versions of the three 2018 Asian Games mascots, namely Kaka, Bhin-Bhin, and Atung.
Their prices ranged from Rp70 thousand to Rp5 million for the largest size. Chinese Taipei women's volleyball athlete Lai Xiang-Chen told Antara at the Asian Games SuperStore Official Merchandise in Jakarta, on Tuesday, that she had set apart US$50 to shop for souvenirs during her free time between trainings.
At the time, the 23-year-old athlete was queuing up in the check-out line, as the shop was rather crowded, so much that the management had to implement an opening and closing time several times during the day to avoid the store being overcrowded.
"The items here are well-made, which is why I specifically allocate some time to come down here," she remarked.
Xiang-Chen came with three of her friends, and all of them admitted to be enthused by the souvenirs offered as they exhibit the uniqueness of Asia.
"This is the only time we would really be able to get them," she added.
Most of the souvenirs feature the figures of the three Asian Games mascots, including Bhin-Bhin, the bird of Paradise or Paradisaea Apoda that represents strategy, donning a vest with an Asmat motive originated from Papua.
Another mascot, Atung, is a Hyelaphus Kuhlii which represents speed. He wears a sarong with a tumpal motive from Jakarta.
Lastly, there is Kaka, which is a Rhinoceros Sondaicus, representing strength. He wears a traditional costume with floral pattern that is unique to Palembang.
Xiang-Chen and her friends quickly filled up their shopping baskets with souvenirs. Xiang-Chen herself ended up with two bags full of items.
Compared to the souvenir prices of other international sports competition events, she considered the price of the 2018 Asian Games products to be more affordable and she would like to come back to the store in her spare time and buy more items to bring back home.
"The products are well made and varied, and they are cheaper too," she explained.
Other than stuffed animals, souvenirs such as coins and medal replicas were also sought after by shoppers who visited the 2018 Asian Games store.
Lee Woonsok, who is a supporter and spectator from Korea, spent a total of Rp1.5 million on souvenirs, most of which were key chains and coins that featured the three mascots.
Asian Games 2018 souvenirs.
However, contrary to what Xiang-Chen previously stated Woonsok believed that the prices in the SuperStore are more expensive. "Compared to the Olympics two years ago, the prices here are higher," he revealed.
He also suggested additional variety of souvenirs to enable shoppers to choose from more items. "I bought a lot of key chains; hopefully, the quality is good," he noted.
The Asian Games Official Merchandise SuperStore always remained busy. The souvenir outlet sells thousands of products supplied by seven Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from Indonesia.
In addition to the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex in Jakarta, the Asian Games Official Merchandise SuperStore also opened in Palembang until the Games is completed.
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