ASICS India Launches Inaugural Ekiden Relay Event in Gurugram
ASICS India Hosts Ekiden India 2026
On Sunday, ASICS India successfully organized the inaugural Ekiden India 2026 at DLF CyberHub in Gurugram. The event saw notable attendees including Yasuhito Hirota, Chairman and CEO of ASICS Corporation; ONO Keiichi, Japan's Ambassador to India; Rajat Khurana, Managing Director of ASICS India and South Asia; and elite marathoner Kartik Karkera, who recently triumphed in both the Mumbai Marathon and the Cognizant New Delhi Marathon.
Celebrating Indo-Japanese Collaboration
The event featured participation from over 240 teams, uniting runners from both India and Japan, thereby enhancing the global legacy and cultural importance of the Ekiden relay. ASICS curated an engaging experience that highlighted the cultural ties between the two nations through sports. Each team, consisting of four members with at least one Japanese runner, engaged in the relay, passing the traditional Tasuki, which symbolizes teamwork, continuity, and shared objectives.
A Vision for the Indian Running Community
During the event, Rajat Khurana expressed, "Running has experienced significant growth in India in recent years, with more individuals participating in races, joining running groups, and engaging in fitness initiatives. The ASICS Ekiden India 2026 introduced the Japanese relay format to our country, providing runners with a fresh perspective on the sport through collaboration and common goals. We are thrilled by the enthusiasm and turnout we observed and are eager to introduce more initiatives like this in the future."
Enhancing India's Running Landscape
Kartik Karkera, an ASICS athlete, remarked, "Having participated in some of India's largest marathons, I understand how crucial the right environment and community are for a runner's journey. The ASICS India Ekiden 2026 has fostered a setting where teamwork, discipline, and the joy of running converge. I am excited to witness runners from diverse backgrounds connect through this sport and hope it motivates many others to discover the transformative power of running."
Advancing the Running Ecosystem in India
The Ekiden Relay represents a significant advancement in ASICS' ongoing mission to enhance the running ecosystem in India by introducing international running formats and promoting broader participation. This initiative underscores the brand's dedication to inspiring more individuals to experience the benefits of physical activity, aligning with its philosophy of 'Sound Mind, Sound Body'.