Lahore set for OCA Fun Run as POA gears up for Aichi–Nagoya 2026
By Nawaz Gohar : In a vibrant prelude to the upcoming 20th Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) hosted an exclusive international media briefing at the POA House in Lahore on Sunday.
The high-profile event marked the official countdown to the highly anticipated Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Fun Run, bridging regional sports diplomacy and athletic excellence.
The briefing brought together an elite panel of sports administrators and international dignitaries, led by POA President Mr. Arif Saeed and POA Secretary General Mr. Muhammad Khalid Mahmood.
The global delegation featured Mr. Hiroshi Sakai and Ms. Azusa Dodo representing the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee, alongside OCA delegates Mr. Anthony Al Tahech and Mr. Zahid Hafeez. Members of the national media and senior POA management were also in attendance to witness the unveiling of the road map for the event.
Addressing the media, officials emphasized that the OCA Fun Run transcends a mere athletic event; it is a grand celebration of core Olympic and Asian sporting values—friendship, solidarity, excellence, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
The initiative is strategically designed to ignite grassroots excitement, engaging local athletes, students, families, and sports communities across Asia while building a powerful momentum for the main Games in Japan.
During an interactive Q&A session with journalists, the visiting delegates highly lauded Pakistan’s preparation and expressed deep appreciation for the country’s vibrant engagement strategies.
A major highlight of the briefing was the praise showered on NOC Pakistan’s specialized painting competition, which effectively channeled the creative energy of Pakistani youth toward the spirit of the Asian Games.
Out of 156 impressive artworks submitted by young Pakistani artists, an expert evaluation committee—including the visiting foreign delegates—shortlisted four standout pieces.
These selected artworks will be officially forwarded to Japan, where they will be proudly displayed on the international stage during the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games later this year.
Providing updates on the grand event, representatives from both the OCA and the Aichi–Nagoya Organizing Committee confirmed that preparations are advancing steadily and seamlessly in absolute synchronization with global stakeholders.
Reaffirming their commitment to delivering a historic, world-class sporting spectacle, the delegation acknowledged the pivotal role and unwavering support of Asian National Olympic Committees, extending their profound gratitude to the Pakistan Olympic Association for its exemplary hospitality and flawless coordination.
