Lahore, Pakistan, February 20, 2023: Colourfully-clad dancers swirled in tune and enthusiastic schoolchildren and university students took centre-stage at the Lahore leg of the 19th Asian Games Fun Run Hangzhou 2022 on Monday, February 20.
Hundreds of students, athletes and community members participated in the Fun Run in Lahore which was jointly organised by the Pakistan Olympic Association and DHA Lahore – Defence Housing Authority, a Pakistan Army-administered real-estate developer which has a strong involvement in community and national sports in the country.
In a video message to guests, including a delegation from the Olympic Council of Asia, the POA President Lt. Gen. (retd.) Syed Arif Hasan said Pakistan was delighted to host the Asian Games Fun Run.
“We, the Olympic family of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan are truly honoured to be hosting the Fun Run. The Asian Games is not just a sporting event, but a gathering of the continent of Asia where the values of friendship and excellence are celebrated,” President Arif Hasan noted.
Chief Guest at the Fun Run, Administrator DHA Lahore Brigadier Waheed Gul Satti, said: “I wish the Olympic Council of Asia, the Chinese National Olympic Committee and the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee the very best and a successful Asian Games in September. My best wishes also go to all the athletes.”
Also joining the Fun Run virtually were the Chinese Charge d'Affaires to Pakistan, Ms. Pang Chunxue and the Vice Mayor of Hangzhou Chen Weiqiang.
The Olympic Council of Asia was represented by Jeans Zhou Jian, Director of Media and Broadcast Department, and Wissam Trkmani, Projects and Operations Manager.
“We thank Pakistan for the warm hospitality shown to us,” said Mr. Trkmani in his speech. “Asia is a very colourful continent and the Asian Games is a festival of diversity.”
Lahore proved his words were on the mark. The Fun Run was colourful and full of zest.
