New Delhi [India], April 6 (ANI): ASICS India efficiently hosted the primary version of the Ekiden India 2026 at DLF CyberHub, Gurugram, on Sunday.
The occasion was attended by Yasuhito Hirota, Chairman and CEO, Representative Director, ASICS Corporation; ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia and ASICS Athlete Kartik Karkera, elite marathoner and winner of the current Mumbai Marathon and Cognizant New Delhi Marathon.
With over 240 groups collaborating, the occasion introduced collectively runners from India and Japan, reinforcing the Ekiden relay’s international legacy and cross-cultural significance.
ASICS hosted an immersive occasion celebrating the cultural connection between India and Japan by means of sport. Teams of 4, every together with at the very least one Japanese participant, took half within the relay by passing the normal Tasuki, symbolising shared goal, continuity and teamwork.
Speaking on the event, Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia, mentioned, ‘Running has seen sturdy development in India over the previous few years, with growing participation throughout races, working teams and health initiatives. Through the ASICS Ekiden India 2026, we introduced the Japanese staff relay format to the nation, providing runners a brand new option to expertise the game by means of teamwork and shared targets. We are extraordinarily inspired by the passion and participation we witnessed on the occasion and stay up for bringing extra such initiatives sooner or later.’
ASICS athlete Kartik Karkera mentioned, ‘Having competed on a few of India’s greatest marathon levels, I understand how a lot the appropriate setting and neighborhood can gas a runner’s journey. ASICS India Ekiden 2026 has created an area the place teamwork, self-discipline and the enjoyment of working come collectively. I’m very excited to see runners throughout cultures join by means of the game and hope it conjures up many extra folks to expertise the transformative energy of working.’
The Ekiden Relay marks one other step in ASICS’ ongoing efforts to strengthen the working ecosystem in India by introducing international working codecs and inspiring wider participation. The initiative displays the model’s dedication to inspiring extra folks to expertise the constructive influence of motion, embodying its philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’. (ANI)