Thimphu, Bhutan, February 14, 2023: The three mascots of the upcoming 19th Asian Games - Chenchen, Congcong and Lianlian - arrived in Thimphu, Bhutan, to promote the Asiad.
The mascots participated in the Asian Games Fun Run held on Tuesday, February 14 at the Buddha Dordenma Statue.
The Buddha Dordenma Statue, the world’s 39th largest sitting Buddha statue, is made of solid bronze and stands 51.5 meters tall. It was selected as the venue for the Fun Run due to its cultural and spiritual significance and picturesque setting.
The Fun Run was flagged off by HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, IOC Member and Executive Board member of the Olympic Council of Asia. Approximately 450 participants took part in the 2.5km Fun Run.
“With the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China just seven months away, the Fun Run is a major part of the Olympic Council of Asia’s Asian Games for All promotional campaign,” said Mr Sonam Karma Tshering, Secretary General of the Bhutan Olympic Committee.
“The Asian Games is the largest multi-sport event in Asia, bringing athletes from across the continent to compete in various sports.
“Hangzhou, with its rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty, is the perfect host city for this exciting event, and the games will not only showcase the athletic abilities of the athletes but also provide an opportunity for the world to experience Hangzhou’s rich culture and history.”
The Director of the Media and Broadcast Department of the OCA, Mr. Jian Zhou, thanked the Bhutan Olympic Committee and all stakeholders involved in the successful hosting of the Fun Run in Bhutan.
“On behalf of the OCA and the HAGOC, I would like to thank each and every one of you here for making the Fun Run a success. We are only some 200 days away from the Asian Games which will be held in Hangzhou. Thank you, boys and girls, guests and officials from the stakeholders involved in making the Fun Run a wonderful experience. See you in Hangzhou.”
A 12-year-old participant, Kitsho Lhamo, expressed her excitement about participating in the Fun Run and said: “I had a great time today with my friends. I hope our athletes win some medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games and I wish everyone involved in organising the games the best of luck for a successful event.”
Some 30 athletes from eight sports disciplines are currently training to represent Bhutan at the Asian Games which will be held from September 23 to October 8.
