UNB, Dhaka :
Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) started their campaign for the 17th Asian Games Incheon-2014 in a benefiting manner with a ‘Fun Run’ in the capital Friday morning.
Some 20,000 athletes, officials and media representatives from 45 Asian countries are expected to compete in 36 disciplines of sports in the 17th version of the biggest continental sports carnival to be held in Incheon, the 3rd largest South Korean city, from September 19-October 4 this year.
A 150-member Bangladesh contingent is expected to take part in the Asiad in a record 21 disciplines of sports.
State Minister for Women and Children Affiars Meher Afroz Chumki, also a councilor of BOA, inaugurated the fun run at Shishu Academy premises through a colourful ceremony.
BOA Secretary General Syed Shahed Reza, BOA Deputy Secretary General cum convener of Fun Run Organizing Committee Imtiaz Khan Babul, OCA Representative Vahid Kardany and Deputy Secretary General (Operation) of IAGOC Su Jung Ghyu and Dr Shafiqur Rahman also spoke at the inaugural ceremony, conducted by Quamrunnahar Dana.
BOA vice-president and the chef de mission of Bangladesh contingent for Incheon Asiad Sheikh Basher Ahmed, Vice President Badal Roy, Deputy Secretary General Ashiqur Rahman Muku and other BOA and Federation officials also present.
The fun run, first of its kinds in Bangladesh, started in the capital at 9 am from Shishu Academy premise with the participation of students of BKSP and Mohammadpur Physical Education College, athletes, sport organizers and the participants of Incheon Asian Games, led by a group of roller skaters.
The fun run, participated by some 800 sportsmen and organizers, terminated at the Bangabandhu National Stadium after passing through the High Court, Secretariat and zero points.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee (IAGOC) under the supervision of BOA have jointly organized the ‘Fun Run’, introduced in the Asian Games history for the first time. The ‘Fun Run’ will be organized in all participating countries as the Game’s promotional event.
The ceremonial fun run came to Bangladesh as the 23rd Asian countries after making its campaign in 22 countries with a view to encourage youths and raise awareness on health, hygiene and environmental issues.
Three OCA delegates Vahid Kardany, Nayaf Sraj and Jian Zhou (Media Manager) and five IAGOC delegates-Su Jung Ghyu, Seo Dong Seok, Pang Jeangseok, Yu Byung Jin and Shin Hyunsook-participated in the fun run.
The OCA and IAGOC delegates will leave the country for the Philippines on Saturday.
