The character is dressed in a traditional Chinese wushu uniform and will be on hand at the event in the Russian city.

He stands in a greeting pose known as "baoquanli" with life-size versions of Bars set to be installed at Kazan airport and the competition venue.

The snow leopard is also the official animal of the Tatarstan region of Russia, of which Kazan is the capital city.

"Kids and grown-ups will love the cartoon hero images of Bars seen throughout the event, and you might even want to bring a snuggly toy version of him home," a statement from the International Wushu Federation said.

"Kung Fu Panda move over, here comes Bars to steal the limelight in Kazan."

Competition in Kazan will take place between September 26 and October 3 at the Universiade Village. 

Wushu was one of three sports from a final shortlist of eight not to be recommended for inclusion at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

It missed out alongside bowling and squash.

Baseball/softball, climbing, karate, skateboarding and surfing were all accepted.  

Shanghai in China is the only candidate for the 2019 World Championships.