Beirut, Lebanon, July 13, 2025: Beirut undergraduate Zaynab Kawtharani won the Asian Youth Reporter essay competition on Saturday, July 12 to earn her place on the OCA media team at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games next September.
Below is Zaynab's winning submission.
The Asian Games, presenting a vibrant tapestry of cultures, dreams and human spirit, unites a diverse continent through passion and perseverance. For me, as an aspiring writer and media student nearing the culmination of my studies, the opportunity to report on the Asian Games 2026 in Japan is a unique gateway to transform my ambitions into impactful realities.
Attending the Asian Games is a unique opportunity to connect with people from across Asia, each bringing their own culture, story, and spirit. It’s a chance to move beyond headlines and statistics, to hear first-hand the challenges and triumphs that shape athletes’ lives.
This immersion cultivates understanding and empathy, qualities essential for meaningful journalism. Moreover, 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 not just about covering an event, but about embracing the human stories behind it, stories that inspire, teach, and connect us all.
Among the many sports showcased at the Asian Games, archery, swimming, judo, and track cycling stand out as my personal favourites. Each offers lessons far beyond physical skill.
Archery demands unwavering focus and calm precision, teaching patience in the face of pressure. Swimming invites a deep connection with oneself and nature, creating moments of introspection and balance. Judo embodies discipline, respect, and emotional control, reminding us that strength lies as much in the mind as in the body. Meanwhile, track cycling pushes endurance and determination, emphasising resilience through continuous effort.
These sports resonate with my own journey, reflecting values that inspire both my writing and personal growth.
Japan, the proud host of the 2026 Asian Games, is a country where tradition and innovation co-exist in a delicate balance that fascinates me deeply. Its culture is rooted in values like respect, harmony, and continuous self-improvement - concepts embodied in everyday life through practices such as kaizen, the pursuit of constant growth, and wabi-sabi, the appreciation of imperfection.
The meticulous attention to detail in arts like the tea ceremony and the graceful discipline of martial arts like judo reflect a society that honours both heritage and progress.
Visiting Japan would be more than sightseeing; it would be an immersive journey into a culture that embodies the very ideals of dedication and mindfulness I aspire to bring into my own life and storytelling.
Additionally, attending 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.
It will also expand my professional network by connecting me with journalists and sports professionals from across Asia. Beyond technical skills, this opportunity will enhance my cultural awareness and adaptability key qualities for a successful career in global media.
What I look forward to most at the Asian Games is the chance to witness the determination and passion that fuel every athlete’s journey. Beyond the competitions, I anticipate the moments of quiet resilience, the stories behind the scenes, and the human connections that often go untold.
Being immersed in this vibrant atmosphere will not only inspire my writing but also deepen my understanding of the power of sport to unite diverse cultures and spirits in pursuit of excellence.
In conclusion, having published a book and pursuing my media studies, I see the Asian Games as a vital chapter in my journey—not just as a writer, but as a storyteller committed to capturing the soul behind every moment. This opportunity is more than a stepping stone; it is a chance to grow, connect, and leave a meaningful mark through stories that inspire and unite.
I am ready to embrace this challenge, confident that it will shape not only my career but the way I understand and share the world.