ASICS India successfully hosted the inaugural ASICS Ekiden India 2026 at DLF CyberHub on Sunday. The event brought together running communities, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts, introducing the traditional Japanese relay format to India. It was organised in collaboration with Sony India and supported by the Embassy of Japan in India.
The event witnessed the presence of Yasuhito Hirota, Chairman and CEO of ASICS Corporation; ONO Keiichi; Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia; and ASICS athlete Kartik Karkera, an elite marathoner and winner of the recent Tata Mumbai Marathon and Cognizant New Delhi Marathon. With participation from over 240 teams, the event brought together runners from India and Japan, reinforcing the global legacy and cross-cultural significance of the Ekiden relay.
Supported by leading Japanese corporations including Mitsubishi Corporation, POCARI SWEAT, Pigeon Corporation, Fujifilm, Pilot Corporation, and Yakult, the event served as an immersive platform celebrating the cultural connection between India and Japan through sport. Teams of four, each including at least one Japanese participant, competed by passing the traditional Tasuki, symbolising shared purpose, continuity, and teamwork.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia, said, “Running has seen strong growth in India over the past few years, with increasing participation across races, running groups and fitness initiatives. Through the ASICS Ekiden India 2026, we brought the Japanese team relay format to the country, offering runners a new way to experience the sport through teamwork and shared goals. We are extremely encouraged by the enthusiasm and participation we witnessed at the event and look forward to bringing more such initiatives in the future.”
ASICS athlete Dr. Kartik Karkera said, “Having competed on some of India’s biggest marathon stages, I know how much the right environment and community can fuel a runner’s journey. ASICS India Ekiden 2026 has created a space where teamwork, discipline and the joy of running come together. I am very excited to see runners across cultures connect through the sport and hope it inspires many more people to experience the transformative power of running.”
The ASICS Ekiden Relay marks a significant step in ASICS’ ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s running ecosystem by introducing global formats and encouraging broader participation. The initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to promoting movement and well-being, aligned with its philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’.
