ISLAMABAD: Lahore joined the growing excitement for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 as the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organising Committee, successfully staged the OCA Fun Run at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU).
Bringing together athletes, students, sports officials, and families, the event celebrated the values that lie at the heart of the Asian Games friendship, unity, and a shared passion for sport.
The Fun Run formed part of a series of promotional activities being held across Asia in the lead-up to the Games, which will take place in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026. Widely regarded as the continent’s biggest sporting gathering, the Asian Games bring together thousands of athletes from across Asia and serve as a showcase of sporting excellence, cultural exchange, and regional solidarity.
Participants of the Fun Run commenced their journey to the main ceremony from various locations across Lahore, including educational institutions, sports clubs, and community venues, travelling simultaneously through walking, running, and organized transportation. Upon arrival, participants gathered at the Ganga Ram Building of Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), where they took part in cultural activities before proceeding to the main ceremony at the Iqra Auditorium.
Among those attending were representatives of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organising Committee, including Anthony Al Tahech, Zahid Hafeez, Hiroshi Sakai, and Ms. Azusa Dodo.
Welcoming the guests, Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi, Vice Chancellor of LCWU, spoke about the important role sport plays in empowering young people and building connections across cultures and borders.
The audience also viewed special video messages from distinguished dignitaries, including H.E. the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan and OCA Director General Dr. Husain Al-Musallam, who underscored the role of the Asian Games in fostering friendship, cooperation, and unity across Asia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Hiroshi Sakai shared updates on preparations for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming athletes from across the continent to Japan. He also extended his best wishes to Pakistan’s athletes as they prepare for the Games.
Representing the OCA, Anthony Al Tahech praised the Pakistan Olympic Association for its efforts in promoting the Olympic and Asian Games movements and for hosting a successful event in Lahore. In his remarks, POA President Arif Saeed thanked the OCA, the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organising Committee, LCWU, and all partners who contributed to the event. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the values of excellence, friendship, and respect, while expressing confidence that the country’s athletes would represent Pakistan with distinction on Asia’s biggest sporting stage.
