
Image via The World Games
The Chengdu 2025 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has sprinted to the finish line of an international contest initiated in December last year to shape the visual identity for the 12th edition of The World Games.
By the end of February this year, it amassed a bamboo hat of 9,235 logo submissions. Then, this month, the winning design was revealed. Conceptualized by British veteran graphic designer John Fairley, it’s a beautiful blend of iconic Chinese symbols: the adorable giant panda, the vibrant hibiscus flower, and the auspicious Chinese knot.
The top portion cleverly incorporates the panda’s facial features, a nod to Chengdu, the host city, and Sichuan Province.
Meanwhile, the center features the Chinese knot, symbolizing unity, prosperity, and good fortune—values that resonate deeply with both athletes and spectators. Blossoming from the overall design is the hibiscus flower, woven with the panda and knot.
The color scheme is a harmonious balance of cool tones running vertically and warm tones spreading horizontally, creating a sense of depth and cohesion. Red, yellow, green, black, and white come together in perfect harmony.
"The arrangement of these geometric elements," Fairley explains, "not only signifies the interconnected fate of humanity but also underscores respect for cultural diversity across nations. This balance between individuality and mutual respect finds its purest expression in the sporting arena."
Elaborating on his vision, Fairley says he hopes to see athletes from all over the globe competing with friendship and passion at The World Games 2025 Chengdu next summer.
[via Logo Design Love and InsideTheGames, images via various sources]