Sanya to Host Asian Beach Games Torch Relay on March 30

Synopsis

The torch relay for the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya will take place on March 30, showcasing the region's beauty and competitive spirit. With nearly 1,800 athletes participating, this event promises to highlight the significance of beach sports in a tropical setting.

Key Takeaways

The torch relay for the Asian Beach Games will take place on March 30.

Around 1,790 athletes will compete in 14 sports.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for April 22 at Sanya Asian Beach Games Park.

Beach handball has the most participants among the sports.

Operational teams are fully prepared for the event.

Sanya (China), March 23 (NationPress) The 6th Asian Beach Games 2026 organizers announced on Monday that the torch relay will take place in Sanya on March 30. Approximately 1,790 athletes will compete across 14 sports, 15 disciplines, and 62 events featured in the Games.

According to Wang Guoping, deputy director of the organizing committee, the relay will emphasize the city's stunning coastal landscape and dynamic sports culture.

"The torch relay will highlight the distinctiveness of beach sports with elements such as sunshine, coastlines, and sandy shores," Wang remarked. "It will portray Sanya as a tropical seaside destination with a burgeoning sports culture, while also underscoring its significance in the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port."

The opening ceremony, centered around themes of vitality, openness, and joy, is set for April 22 at the Sanya Asian Beach Games Park, as reported by Xinhua.

The Games will span from April 22 to 30, featuring a total of 1,790 athletes confirmed for participation. Organizers noted that national and regional Olympic committees from 45 countries and regions have registered for the event. After qualification evaluations, as of March 20, the number of confirmed athletes stands at 1,790.

The Games will comprise 14 sports, 15 disciplines, and 62 events in total. However, the women's beach football event has been cancelled due to a lack of participating teams, while all other events will proceed as scheduled.

The top five sports by participant count are beach handball, dragon boat, beach athletics, ju-jitsu, and beach volleyball. Notably, beach handball has drawn the largest athlete contingent, with 237 participants.

In terms of delegation size, the leading five teams are Thailand, China, the Philippines, India, and Hong Kong-China.

Li Haigang, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee, stated that the overall competition schedules and event timetables have been refined and will be made public shortly. "The precise timing of events will be outlined to assist media and spectators in planning their viewing schedules," he added.

Additionally, operational teams at all venues have undergone extensive training, tabletop exercises, and test events. "In just 30 days, athletes, coaches, and officials from across Asia will converge in Sanya to compete amid its azure seas and sandy shores," Li noted. "We are committed to ensuring a high-quality competition environment and delivering an exceptional Games."