6th Asian Beach Games Open In Sanya After Postponement From 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- The Sixth Asian Beach Games has officially opened in China's tropical resort city of Sanya, with the opening ceremony held at the seaside Yasha Park.

Around 10,000 participants, including 1,790 athletes, are taking part in the continental multi-sport event, which was originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin declared the Games open after 45 delegations marched into the stadium, according to a statement.

The games mark the first time Hainan has hosted a continental-level beach sports event. It is also the island’s first major international sporting event since the Hainan Free Trade Port was inaugurated last December.

Held from April 22 to 30, the games feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events. It is the second time China has hosted the Asian Beach Games, after the 2012 edition in Haiyang, Shandong Province.

China has sent a delegation of 255 members, including 171 athletes, competing in 13 sports and 60 events, marking the country's highest participation in Asian Beach Games history.

-- BERNAMA