KUWAIT CITY, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Olympic Council of Asia has announced plans to revive the Asian Beach Games (ABG), confirming Sanya on Hainan Island in southern China will host the Games next April.
In an official communique dated May 18, OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam revealed that the multisport event will occur from April 22 to 30, 2026. Sanya was due to host the sixth edition of the ABG in 2020 but they were called off because of the pandemic.
"I have the pleasure to inform you that, during the 45th OCA General Assembly in Kuwait, the OCA and Chinese Olympic Committee met and unanimously decided to revive the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, which was stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Husain stated.
"The Asian Beach Games in Sanya will now be held from 22nd to 30th of April 2026. The detailed sports program as well as other logistical details will be informed to you shortly. I would appreciate if you could kindly mark your calendar for the Asian Beach Games," the communique concluded.
First held in Bali, Indonesia (2008), the continental beach sports festival has previously visited Muscat, Oman (2010); Haiyang, China (2012); Phuket, Thailand (2014) and Danang, Vietnam (2016).
The event gained popularity among host destinations for its unique combination of seaside athletic competitions, tourism promotion, and family-friendly atmosphere emphasizing natural environments and sustainable practices. ■
