RIYADH: Japan has gifted the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee with Kendo equipment as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Formal diplomatic ties were first established on June 7, 1955, laying the foundations for a long-standing partnership.
To mark the occasion, Japanese ambassador Yasunari Morino attended a handover ceremony on Wednesday at the Riyadh Olympic Training Center, where approximately 20 shinai (bamboo swords) and 10 complete sets of Kendo armor were officially donated to the SOPC.
Morino expressed his hope the donation would help increase the popularity of Kendo in Saudi Arabia and provide more opportunities for young Saudi athletes to engage with Japanese martial arts.
“I was happy to join the Olympic Day event organized by the Olympic Committee with many people, young and senior, participating. I hope Saudi people will enjoy practicing various sports, including Japanese martial arts,” the ambassador told Arab News.
