The Asian Games Fun Run kicks off in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on May 20. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

As the starting gun sounded, the Asian Games Fun Run kicked off in Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 20, attracting nearly 500 children, parents and spectators, promoting the Olympic spirit, and further boosting enthusiasm for the Games.

Children were divided into eight groups according to age. In the end, 24 children won first, second, or third place in different age groups and distances of 500 meters, 1,000 meters, 2,000 meters, and 5,000 meters.

The fun run, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia and hosted by the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, received enthusiastic responses from local students, sports enthusiasts, and media, among others.

Students from the Confucius Institute at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University presented various Chinese cultural displays including calligraphy, paper cutting, Han costumes and face painting, which attracted a large number of spectators and showcased the unique charm of China's diverse cultures. Martial arts performances were also staged during the event.

Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and an important participant in the Belt and Road Initiative. China and Kazakhstan are amiable neighbors, friends, partners and brothers.

Meng Xiangsheng, deputy director of the environmental protection department of the organizing committee of the Hangzhou Asian Games, said the just-concluded China-Central Asia Summit has enhanced cooperation and exchanges between China and Kazakhstan, and the fun run also spread love and hope. He hopes that the Kazakhstan delegation will achieve strong results at the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games.

Kazak children take part in a martial arts performance. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]