Pakistan, Asian Games officials promote Olympic values ahead of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 fun run

By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan’s Olympic officials and visiting delegates from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee on Sunday highlighted preparations for next year’s Asian Games, using a media briefing in Lahore to promote the values of friendship, unity and excellence through sport.
The briefing, held at the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) House, brought together senior officials from the Pakistan Olympic Association, representatives of the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee, OCA delegates and members of the media ahead of the OCA Fun Run celebrations in Lahore.
POA President Arif Saeed and Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood were joined by Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee representatives Hiroshi Sakai and Azusa Dodo, as well as OCA delegates Anthony Al Tahech and Zahid Hafeez.
Officials said the OCA Fun Run initiative aims to engage athletes, students, families and communities across Asia while building excitement for the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City, Japan, in 2026.
“The Fun Run reflects the values that underpin both the Olympic and Asian sporting movements, including friendship, unity, excellence and healthy living,” officials said during the briefing.
The Asian Games, regarded as the continent’s premier multi-sport event, will bring together thousands of athletes from across Asia and are expected to serve as a platform for sporting excellence, cultural exchange and greater regional understanding.
Responding to questions from journalists, OCA and organizing committee representatives praised Pakistan’s efforts to promote awareness of the Games, particularly through youth-focused initiatives.
Delegates highlighted a painting competition organized by the Pakistan Olympic Association to encourage young people to engage with the Asian Games through art. Officials said 156 artworks were submitted, with four entries shortlisted by a committee that included international delegates.
The selected artworks will be forwarded to the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee for display during the Games next year, providing international exposure for young Pakistani artists.
Organizers said the competition demonstrated growing interest among Pakistani youth in the Asian Games and underscored the role of sport and culture in connecting communities across borders.
Representatives of the organizing committee and the OCA also provided an update on preparations for the Games, saying planning was progressing steadily in coordination with stakeholders across Asia.
They reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a world-class event and acknowledged the support of National Olympic Committees throughout the region in the lead-up to the Games.
The visiting delegation also thanked the Pakistan Olympic Association for its hospitality and support during their visit.
The OCA Fun Run celebrations will continue on June 1 at Lahore College for Women University on Jail Road, where athletes, students, sports officials, dignitaries and members of the public are expected to gather in a celebration of the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect.
The event is scheduled to take place from 4pm to 6:30 pm.