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Japanese Envoy to Run in Historic ASICS EKIDEN Relay in Gurugram

Japanese Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, has announced his participation in the upcoming ASICS EKIDEN event in Gurugram on April 5. This marks the first time the traditional Japanese relay run, which emphasizes teamwork and passing a symbolic sash called a tasuki, is being held in India. The ambassador recently completed a half marathon at the New Delhi Marathon, describing it as an energizing experience. The EKIDEN format focuses on collective effort over individual performance, where strategy and team support are paramount.

Key Points: Japan Ambassador Joins ASICS EKIDEN Run in India

  • Ambassador ran Delhi half-marathon
  • EKIDEN is a Japanese team relay
  • First time event in India
  • Celebrates teamwork and endurance
2 min read

Japanese Envoy to participate in ASICS EKIDEN run on April 5

Japanese Ambassador Ono Keiichi to participate in the first-ever ASICS EKIDEN, a traditional Japanese relay run, in Gurugram on April 5.

"Such a fun and energizing experience running with everyone. - Ono Keiichi"

New Delhi, February 23

Ono Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India said that he ran a half marathon at the New Delhi Marathon.

Ono said he will be participating in ASICS EKIDEN at DLF Cyber Hub, Gurugram on April 5.

In a post on X, he said, "Ran a half marathon at the New Delhi Marathon today. Such a fun and energizing experience running with everyone. See you next at the ASICS EKIDEN at DLF Cyber Hub, Gurugram on April 5."

The 11th edition of New Delhi Marathon took place on February 22 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

"For first runs, personal bests, and everything in between," the website of New Delhi Marathon read.

The ASICS EKIDEN is rooted in Japanese tradition, EKIDEN is more than a run- it's a celebration of teamwork, endurance, and shared purpose. For the first time, this iconic relay format arrives in India, bringing runners together to experience the spirit of collective movement, its website says.

EKIDEN is a relay run where teams compete by passing a tasuki- a traditional sash-from one runner to the next. Each handover represents responsibility, trust, and unity.

In Japan, EKIDEN is deeply respected, with runners training relentlessly in the lead-up to run day. Now, that legacy comes alive on Indian roads for the very first time.

EKIDEN is more than a run, it's a symbol of teamwork, trust, and shared effort. Instead of running alone, each participant carries the team forward, passing the tasuki to the next runner and moving together toward one common finish line.

Because in EKIDEN, no one runs solo. Every step counts for the team.

Each runner completes their leg, but the result belongs to the team. Strategy, pacing, and encouragement matter just as much as speed. It's about supporting one another, staying in sync, and finishing stronger together.

The strength of four is always greater than one.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Gurugram traffic is already a marathon challenge every day! 😂 Jokes aside, it's great to see cultural exchanges like this. The Ambassador running with citizens is a nice gesture. Hope the event promotes fitness and Indo-Japanese friendship.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the spirit, I hope the organisers have proper arrangements. Gurugram in April is getting hot. Hydration and medical support must be top priority. Otherwise, promoting such events is a positive step for our fitness culture.
S
Sarah B
The teamwork aspect is inspiring. Reminds me of our own relay races during school sports days! It's more than just running; it's about trust and passing the baton (or tasuki). A lovely way to build bridges between cultures through sport.
V
Vikram M
Ambassador Ono-ji is setting a great example by participating. It shows a hands-on approach to diplomacy. Hope to see more such collaborative events that go beyond formal meetings and connect people directly. All the best to the teams!
K
Karthik V
First time hearing about EKIDEN. The philosophy is powerful – "the strength of four is always greater than one." We could use more of this collective spirit in many areas of life, not just sports. Kudos for bringing this tradition to India.

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