Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games Fun Run completed

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 15: The “Asian Games Fun Run” was organised on Saturday to promote and extend best wishes for the success of the upcoming Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games. The fun run, organised by the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) under the programme of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), began with a programme at the NOC premises and concluded at Kartik Dabli, Mangal Bazaar, Patan Durbar Square.

The route passed through BNB Hospital Gate, Gwarko Chowk, Prabhat School, Lusushi, Kanibaha Chowk, Okubaha, Thana, Chakrabahi and Haug before finishing at the historic square.

Approximately 1,000 participants took part in the event, including athletes and coaches from sports set to participate in the Asian Games, other athletes and coaches, Olympians, officials from sports organisations, diplomatic representatives, security personnel, students and members of the media.

Speaking at the event, Jeevan Ram Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee, said the fun run was organised not only to promote the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games but also to convey the message of Nepal’s participation in the forthcoming Games in Japan and to contribute to their success. Similarly, NOC General Secretary Rajiv Shrestha thanked all those involved in making the event successful, adding that the initiative also aimed to spread Olympic values and spirit through community participation.

The event was also attended by Binod Kumar Tiwari, Deputy Director of the Olympic Council of Asia; Fumihito Kanaizuka, Media and PR Director of the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee; and Manami Okumura, Manager of the same department.

Various cultural tableaus were presented during the closing ceremony. A quiz session related to the Asian Games was also held for participants. Those who answered correctly were awarded the mascot of the upcoming Games, Hanohon. 

This marked the third consecutive edition of the Olympic Fun Run organised by the Nepal Olympic Committee. The NOC had previously organised similar events to promote the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta–Palembang and the 2022 Asian Games in Guangzhou. This year’s event was coordinated by NOC Secretary Ram Krishna Shrestha.