Muscat: The Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), represented by the Omani Committee for Sport and Active Society, in cooperation with the Olympic Council of Asia, organised the 'Fun Run' as part of its promotional efforts for the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan in September and October next year. The event attracted strong participation, with more than 600 runners from various age groups and segments of society, reflecting the growing community interest in sports activities and the increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity in the Sultanate of Oman.
The run was held at Al Khuwair Square near the Flagpole area and featured two main routes, 2 km and 5 km, designed to suit different fitness levels and encourage broad participation. The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors of the OOC and officials from the organising bodies.
In this context, Kiyoshi Serizawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Sultanate of Oman, expressed his happiness at hosting this promotional run in Muscat, stressing that the event represents an important opportunity to introduce the upcoming Asian Games, for which Japan is making extensive preparations at both organisational and technical levels. He noted that seeing participants wearing shirts bearing the 'Aichi–Nagoya 2026' logo delivered a powerful visual message that helped raise awareness of the Games in the region. He also expressed his pride in the strong participation of Omani families and children, describing it as a clear indication of community engagement and interest in continental sporting events, while giving participants an early opportunity to become familiar with the Games and the culture of the host country.
SPORT FOR ALL
For his part, Khalfan al Naabi, Board Member of the OOC and Chairman of the Omani Committee for Sport and Active Society, explained that organising the Fun Run is part of a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing community awareness of the importance of sport and translating the 'Sport for All' concept into practice as a key pillar of Oman’s national sports strategy. He emphasised that the strong turnout of families and children reflects a growing awareness of the role of sport in promoting public health and encouraging a balanced lifestyle, adding that sport carries a humanitarian message that goes beyond competition and contributes to closer ties and understanding among peoples.
Meanwhile, Manami Okumura, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Organising Committee, said that the large turnout at the Fun Run demonstrates increasing interest in the Asian Games and their accompanying promotional activities, giving the organising committee added motivation to continue its outreach efforts across Asia.
She praised the high level of organisation in Oman, highlighting the strong media engagement ahead of the event, as well as the readiness of the organising teams and the warm reception; and expressed her anticipation of welcoming Omani fans to Nagoya to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
Khalifa al Jabri, Board Member of the OOC and Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission, noted that more than 600 participants, including school students, families and members of the sporting community, took part in the event. He added that awarding promotional medals similar to those to be presented at Nagoya 2026 created a sense of connection between participants and the Asian Games, strengthening public engagement and encouraging support for Omani national teams ahead of the upcoming continental sporting event.
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