KOI views Asian Games Fun Run 2026 as part of Indonesia's sports diplomacy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Ismail Ning affirmed that the Asian Games Fun Run 2026, to be held in Bali, is part of Indonesia’s sports diplomacy on the international stage. According to Ismail, the event taking place in Nusa Dua on Sunday (14/6) is a strategic platform to strengthen Indonesia’s role in the Asian sports ecosystem. “This Asian Games Fun Run is not just about public participation, but about how Indonesia contributes to building a collective Asian spirit,” he said during a press conference at Bali Collection, Nusa Dua, as quoted from a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday. “This is part of sports diplomacy that carries the values of friendship, solidarity, and sportsmanship across nations,” he added. The Asian Games Fun Run 2026 in Bali is held as a symbol of Asian collaboration and unity towards the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, organised by KOI, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee (AINAGOC). OCA Director of Media and Broadcast Jian Zhou said that the series of Fun Runs across various Asian countries is crucial in bringing the Asian Games closer to the public. “We want the Asian Games to belong not only to athletes but also to all Asian communities. Through the Fun Run, this spirit is brought directly to cities, including Bali as a world destination, and Indonesia is an important part of the Olympic Movement,” said Jian Zhou. On the same occasion, AINAGOC Deputy Director of Public Relations Manami Okumura expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s active role in supporting the success of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. “We are pleased to hold the Asian Games Fun Run here in Bali. Indonesia has always been an important part of the Asian Games journey. The enthusiasm shown through this Fun Run reflects Asia’s readiness to welcome our biggest event together,” Okumura stated. The Asian Games Fun Run 2026 will be held with a participatory concept open to various groups. In addition to the running activity, the event will also feature various activations that strengthen public engagement with the Asian Games. The Asian Games Fun Run Bali is expected to be a catalyst in building awareness, strengthening connectivity between nations in Asia, and affirming Indonesia’s position as an important part of the journey towards the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.