Sanya: HE President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Beach Games - Sanya 2026, which was held this evening at Yasha Park. The event showcased a celebratory atmosphere that highlighted the cultural diversity of Asia.
According to Qatar News Agency, the opening ceremony was graced by the presence of several senior officials and sporting figures. Key attendees included HE State Councilor of the People's Republic of China, Shen Yiqin; HE Honorary President for Life of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach; and Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, Husain Al Musallam. Members of the Executive Board and several Vice Presidents also attended the event.
Additionally, HE Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, HE Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, and HE Consul of the State of Qatar in Guangzhou, Abdullah bin Nasser Al Hajri, were present at the ceremony.
This edition of the Asian Beach Games is significant as it marks the first Asian sporting event under the leadership of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Olympic Council of Asia. It represents a new era for sport across the continent, with a focus on empowering youth and enhancing the role of sport as a platform for cooperation among Asian nations.
The Asian Beach Games are a part of the Olympic Council of Asia's multi-sport events for 2026. They will be succeeded by the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026, and the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 13 to 21, 2026. This schedule reflects the ongoing development of sport across Asia.
The Asian Beach Games - Sanya 2026 will run until April 30 and will feature 1,790 athletes from 45 Asian countries. The event is expected to be noteworthy in terms of both organization and technical standards.