Various Activities at the Fun Run Promoting the Asian Games – Nagoya 2026

The Oman Olympic Committee, represented by the Omani Committee for Sport and Active Society, will organize the “Fun Run” tomorrow afternoon, Thursday, at Al Khuwair Square (Flagpole Area), as part of the Olympic Council of Asia’s initiative “Asian Games for All”, in preparation for and anticipation of the Asian Games to be hosted by the Japanese city of Nagoya in June 2026.

Earlier this morning, the Oman Olympic Committee revealed details of the Asian Council initiative during a press conference attended by Engineer Khalfan bin Saleh Al Naabi, Member of the Board of Directors of the Oman Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Omani Committee for Sport and Active Society, along with members of the Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Organizing Committee, namely Fumihito Kanaizuka, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department, and Manami Okumura, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department. The conference was also attended by two representatives of the Olympic Council of Asia: Zhu Jian, Director of Media and Broadcasting, and Kona Ramireddy, Video Editor and Photographer.

At the beginning of the press conference, Engineer Khalfan bin Saleh Al Naabi stated that the Fun Run represents a practical step toward presenting the Sultanate of Oman in a dignified manner at major continental sporting events, engaging the community in celebrating sport and shaping future champions. He added that the initiative falls within ongoing efforts to enhance Oman’s presence at continental sporting forums and activate community sport programs. He emphasized that between the aspirations of “Nagoya 2026” and “Oman Vision 2040”, Olympic sport remains a unifying platform for ambition and collective action.

A Continental Event

Al Naabi added that more than 600 participants from various segments of society are expected to take part in tomorrow’s event. He noted that hosting this initiative in the Sultanate of Oman contributes to spreading sports awareness and promoting the most prominent continental sporting event. He described the initiative as one of the most important promotional campaigns of the Olympic Council of Asia toward Nagoya 2026, stressing that the Fun Run confirms that the Asian Games are not limited to elite competition, but rather a continental celebration in which everyone participates, highlighting sport as a bridge for communication and friendship among Asian peoples.

Regarding the importance of Oman hosting the event, Al Naabi explained that hosting the Fun Run reflects Oman’s position as an active and influential sporting nation in Asia and demonstrates the confidence of continental institutions in Oman’s ability to organize high-quality events that engage the entire community. He affirmed that the event sends a clear message that the Sultanate of Oman is a key partner in the Asian Olympic Movement and is capable of contributing to the promotion of sporting values and the development of community engagement.

He further noted that the Oman Olympic Committee is working with partners from sports and youth institutions, the private sector, and volunteers to ensure the success of the event in a way that reflects a positive image of the Sultanate of Oman. He emphasized that the initiative aims to encourage society to adopt sport as a way of life and motivate families and youth to participate in healthy and recreational activities that enhance quality of life.

Multiple Gains

On the sporting and economic returns and the expected benefits for Oman, Al Naabi stated that there are multiple gains, most notably promoting Oman as a sports destination and stimulating the economy through sports tourism, in addition to supporting the sports sector in promoting its future programs. He added that such events inspire youth and young people, open horizons for participation in continental and international competitions, and serve as a gateway for discovering new talents. He emphasized that sport and active society are a key pillar of Oman Vision 2040, and that the Fun Run supports its objectives by spreading a culture of physical activity, improving public health indicators, and empowering the community.

He concluded by inviting everyone to actively participate in the Fun Run and support national teams as they aspire to raise the flag of the Sultanate of Oman high at the Asian Games to be hosted by Nagoya in 2026, stressing that success begins with the community and confidence in Omani athletes’ ability to represent the country in the best possible way.

Promoting Nagoya 2026

For his part, Fumihito Kanaizuka, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department of the Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Organizing Committee, expressed his happiness at being in the Sultanate of Oman to promote the upcoming Games through the Fun Run. He noted that the Asian Games are the oldest and most prestigious event on the Olympic Council of Asia’s calendar, dating back to the inaugural edition held in New Delhi in 1951.

He explained that the “Asian Games for All” project aims to engage Asian communities across the continent and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in and experience the Asian Games, regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability. The initiative contributes to building healthier and better communities through various activities, including arts, physical activities, and cultural promotion. Through this project, the Olympic Council of Asia seeks to develop sport, culture, and education among Asian youth, while promoting values of fair play, respect, friendship, goodwill, peace, and a safe environment.

He added that the project aims to promote the Asian Games across the continent, invest in Asian youth for a better sporting future, raise awareness among Asian communities, encourage sports and cultural activities, and explore and celebrate the diversity of Asian cultures.

Accompanying Activities

Kanaizuka further explained that the Fun Run includes several accompanying activities, with the Olympic Council of Asia working closely with the Oman Olympic Committee to determine the activities to be held tomorrow afternoon. He clarified that the Fun Run is a friendly race in which Asian communities across the continent participate to promote the Asian Games. The race will include two categories: a 2-kilometer race and a 5-kilometer race, open to various age groups. Participants will include schools, universities, clubs, federations, the private sector, sports celebrities, and athletes with disabilities.

In addition to the Fun Run, the Oman Olympic Committee will establish an activity zone at the same location to allow families, children, and participants to discover new sports and engage in physical activities related to sports included in the Asian Games program. The Olympic Council of Asia will provide financial support to the Oman Olympic Committee to cover the costs of producing certificates, banners, shirts, and related materials. It will also distribute 50 medals to winners of the Fun Run promoting the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. The Oman Olympic Committee may add customized artistic designs to certificates, banners, mascots, logos of the Olympic Council of Asia, the 2026 Asian Games, partners, sponsors, and printed shirts. The Olympic Council of Asia also encourages National Olympic Committees to organize additional media programs aligned with the official media plan to maximize promotion and awareness of the event.

Drawing and Coloring Competition

Zhu Jian, Director of Media and Broadcasting at the Olympic Council of Asia, stated that the drawing and coloring competition organized by the Oman Olympic Committee with the support of the Olympic Council of Asia was observed earlier today. He explained that the competition combines art and sport as a tool to engage youth in sport and the Asian Games, enhance cultural awareness, and develop understanding. The competition offers a valuable opportunity for elementary school students across Asia to express their imagination and understanding of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and show their support for their favorite athletes or sports.

A judging panel comprising representatives from the Oman Olympic Committee, the Japanese Olympic Committee, and the Olympic Council of Asia will select the best four drawings—two by boys and two by girls—which will be displayed during the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. The four winners will be announced by mid-June 2026. The top four drawings from each National Olympic Committee will also be displayed at the Main Press Center in Aichi-Nagoya and at the Olympic Council of Asia headquarters hotel. Each winner will receive a certificate and a cash prize of USD 3,000.

In the same context, the Olympic Council of Asia will introduce an award for young journalists through the Young Reporters Project, aimed at preparing and engaging young correspondents to help promote the Asian Games and build a skilled media community. The project targets 10 National Olympic Committees, selecting one boy and one girl from each of the five OCA regions. The initiative aims to enhance sports journalism and promote the Asian Games among Asian youth by highlighting the history of the Games and Olympic values across 45 National Olympic Committees. The project includes a three-hour workshop addressing key challenges faced by journalists covering the Asian Games, such as preparation, research, sports coverage, and athlete interviews. The winner of the Young Reporters Project will be invited to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games as part of the OCA media coverage team, and each selected reporter will receive a grant of USD 3,000.