Over 5,000 Join 2026 Olympic Day Run In Melaka

MELAKA, June 21 (Bernama) -- More than 5,000 people took part in the 2026 Olympic Day Run, held in conjunction with World Olympic Day celebrations at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) here today.

Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the 3.5-kilometre run, themed “Green and Heritage”, was among the key initiatives to strengthen the Olympic Movement in Malaysia.

“The Olympic Day Run is organised annually. While it was previously held on a smaller scale, it has in recent years expanded to involve broader community participation.

“This is because the Olympic Movement should reach the grassroots, including university students, who can serve as OCM ambassadors in efforts to further expand the movement,” he told reporters after the event which was officiated by Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri and UTeM chancellor Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.

Mohamad Norza said in line with UTeM’s Green Campus Initiative and commitment to environmental sustainability, the event incorporated measures aimed at reducing waste, minimising environmental impact and promoting greater awareness of green practices among participants and the community.

“Through these initiatives, OCM hopes the 2026 Olympic Day Run will not only encourage the UTeM community to adopt an active lifestyle, but also foster appreciation for environmental sustainability and Melaka’s heritage.

“Olympic Day is not merely a sporting celebration, but a global platform that transcends national boundaries and unites communities regardless of background, in line with the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship,” he said.

He said World Olympic Day, celebrated annually on June 23, focuses on three key objectives: encouraging people to stay active, embrace Olympic values and explore new sports.

Earlier, he presented a personal contribution of RM50,000 to UTeM through its vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin, to establish the Engineering and Sports Excellence Award.

Mohamad Norza said the award aims to recognise graduates and aspiring engineers who excel academically, while highlighting the importance of sports in producing well-rounded graduates who are intellectually outstanding and physically active.

-- BERNAMA