Beirut, Lebanon, July 12, 2025: Zaynab Kawtharani believes the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games will offer her a unique opportunity to “connect” with people from across Asia and embrace the human stories of the athletes participating in the showpiece in Japan next September.
Zaynab, 20, will travel to Japan as part of the Olympic Council of Asia’s media team after being declared the winner of the ‘My Asian Games’ essay competition of the Asian Youth Reporter Project in Beirut, Lebanon.
“Attending the Asian Games gives me a chance to move beyond headlines and statistics, to hear firsthand the challenges and triumphs that shape athletes’ lives,” wrote Zaynab in her essay.
A student at Beirut Arab University and budding journalist, Zaynab said: “This immersion culture cultivates understanding and empathy, qualities essential for meaningful journalism.
“Being part of this vibrant community allows for building lifelong relationships and networks that will enrich both my professional career and personal growth. It is just not about covering an event, but about embracing the human stories behind it, stories that inspire, teach, and connect us all.”
A total of 7 students from universities and schools in the Lebanese capital participated in the OCA’s Asian Youth Reporter Project, which is one part of the ‘Asian Games for All’ promotional campaign for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games from September 19 to October 4.
Zaynab will join three other young reporters – from Bhutan, Tajikistan and Mongolia – as members of the OCA’s reporting team in Japan.
“The Asian Games will provide hands-on experience in fast-paced sports journalism, improving my skills in live reporting, interviewing athletes, and working with media teams. This opportunity will enhance my cultural awareness and adaptability, key qualities for a successful career in global media,” Zaynab added.
