As the sun sets over the beautiful beaches of Sanya this week, the 2026 Asian Beach Games are drawing to a triumphant close. And the organizers? They’re getting a major shoutout for pulling off an event that was not only super smooth but impressively resilient, even in the face of some serious tropical weather! 🌦️
Husain Al-Musallam, the Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), didn’t hold back his praise. In an interview, he called the sixth edition of the Games a standout success, especially highlighting its organization and safety standards.
"I think the most important thing to remember is that we had two days of heavy rain and a typhoon, but it did not affect the Games," Al-Musallam said. "Everything was rescheduled accordingly, there were no delays and no injuries. That's why I call this a 'safe' Games." 💪 Talk about being prepared!
This event was a big deal for Hainan Province, marking its first time hosting a major continental beach sports event. It’s also the first major international sporting competition in the region since the Hainan Free Trade Port launched at the end of 2025, signaling a new chapter for the island.
Beyond just handling the weather, the Games earned major eco-points. "It has been a fantastic Games, with a strong emphasis on being green, safe and environmentally friendly," Al-Musallam noted. He praised the use of temporary, recyclable facilities and the amazing work of the volunteers. 🍃
Athletes from 45 different National Olympic Committees hit the sand, competed hard, and are heading home with some epic memories. The host nation, China, was all in on the action, fielding its largest-ever delegation for the Asian Beach Games with 171 athletes competing across 60 events. That's some serious team spirit! 🇨🇳
As the closing ceremony approaches, speed climber Zhou Yafei will have the honor of carrying the flag for China, capping off what has been a landmark event for Sanya. The OCA leader believes the legacy of these Games will last long after the last grain of sand has settled, proving that with great planning and a commitment to sustainability, you can host a world-class event that’s both fun and future-proof. 🏆
Reference(s):
OCA leader praises China for smooth, safe 2026 Sanya Asian Beach Games
cgtn.com
