For the Asian Athletics Championships held from 6 to 9 July 2017 in Bhubaneswar, which species was chosen as the official logo and mascot of the event?

Introduction / Context:
Major international sporting events often use logos and mascots that reflect important cultural or environmental symbols of the host region. The Asian Athletics Championships held in July 2017 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, followed this tradition by selecting a mascot and logo connected to local wildlife. This question tests awareness of that choice and encourages understanding of the link between sports events and conservation themes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The event is the Asian Athletics Championships, held from 6 to 9 July 2017.
• The host city was Bhubaneswar in the state of Odisha, India.
• The options list four species associated with aquatic or coastal ecosystems: fishing cat, Olive Ridley turtles, sanderlings and Irrawaddy dolphins.
• The question asks which species served as the official logo and mascot.

Concept / Approach:
Odisha is famous for its coastline, particularly the mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles along beaches such as Gahirmatha and Rushikulya. These turtles are globally known and are the focus of several conservation campaigns. When choosing mascots, organisers often pick a locally iconic and environmentally significant species. In this case, the mascot named Olly, based on the Olive Ridley turtle, was widely publicised during the championships. Therefore, connecting the host state's environmental identity with the options leads us to the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the championships took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Step 2: Recall that Odisha is internationally known for massive nesting sites of Olive Ridley sea turtles. Step 3: Note that officials chose a mascot to reflect both local culture and environmental awareness, promoting marine conservation. Step 4: Remember that the mascot was named Olly, clearly derived from the word Olive, referring to Olive Ridley turtles. Step 5: Compare this with other options like fishing cat, sanderlings and Irrawaddy dolphins, which, although regionally relevant in various parts of India and Asia, were not used as mascots for this specific event. Step 6: Conclude that the correct choice for the logo and mascot is Olive Ridley turtles.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you recall photographs and news coverage from the championships, you will remember images of a cartoon turtle character with sports attire, representing Olly the Olive Ridley turtle. Press releases from the time also highlighted Odisha's commitment to protecting these turtles, making the mascot selection a symbolic gesture towards marine conservation. This consistent media theme verifies that Olive Ridley turtles were the chosen symbol.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Fishing cat: While found in some wetlands of India, it was not chosen as the mascot for this event.
Sanderlings: These are small coastal birds, but they do not have a strong specific association with Odisha in the context of this championship.
Irrawaddy dolphins: These dolphins occur in some riverine and coastal areas, including Chilika Lake in Odisha, but they were not used as the logo and mascot here. The widely promoted mascot was clearly a turtle character.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may be tempted by Irrawaddy dolphins because Chilika Lake in Odisha is famous for them. However, the championships highlighted Olive Ridley turtles much more prominently, and the mascot name Olly is a clear hint. Failing to connect the mascot name to the species or mixing up different wildlife icons of the region are common mistakes.

Final Answer:
The official logo and mascot for the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar were based on Olive Ridley turtles.