business
6th Asian Beach Games Begin in China's Sanya with 45 Delegations, Following Two COVID-Related Postponements
The 6th Asian Beach Games commenced on April 23, 2026, in Sanya, China, following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin declared the event open during a seaside ceremony. The games feature 14 sports and draw around 10,000 participants, including 1,790 athletes.
en.antaranews.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The 6th Asian Beach Games opened on Wednesday evening, April 23, 2026, in Sanya, China, with Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin declaring the event open. The opening ceremony took place at the seaside Yasha Park in the tropical resort city. Benzinga reported that 45 delegations marched in during the ceremony for the continental event.
Originally scheduled for 2020, the games were postponed twice, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event now runs from April 22 to 30, 2026, and features 14 sports, 15 disciplines, and 62 events. Around 10,000 participants, including 1,790 athletes, have gathered in Sanya for the competition.
This marks the first time Hainan has hosted a continental-level beach sports event. The games follow the inauguration of the Hainan Free Trade Port in December 2025, making it the first major international sporting event on the island since that development. China previously hosted the Asian Beach Games in 2012 in Haiyang, Shandong Province.
China sent a delegation of 255 members, including 171 athletes, to the 6th Asian Beach Games. The delegation is competing in 13 sports and 60 events. Benzinga reported that this represents China's highest participation in Asian Beach Games history.
