🎉 The 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya has hit the halfway mark, and the verdict from international athletes is in: it's a smash hit! With competitions running from April 22-30, this event is lighting up Hainan's shores with world-class organization and vibrant energy.
This year's games are a big deal—they're the first major international sporting event in Hainan since the launch of the island-wide Free Trade Port in late 2025. So far, it's living up to the hype. 🌴
International athletes can't stop raving about the seamless experience. Marc Alexander Lim from the Philippines jiu-jitsu team told Sports Scene, "It never ceases to impress us." He compared the vibe to the epic 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, saying the smooth operations set a high bar for future hosts, like his own country, which is gearing up for 2028.
His teammate, Myron Myles Mangubat, is already celebrating success on the sand, grabbing two golds and a silver. But it's not all about the medals. The team has been soaking up Sanya's culture, with Lim shouting out the amazing seafood at the local night markets and hoping to extend his stay next time for more food adventures with local residents. 🍤
The games have drawn athletes from 45 delegations, including Lebanon's beach volleyball star Hadi El Chabib. After a tough round of 16 match against Kazakhstan, he summed it up perfectly: "It's a beautiful country, beautiful people, very nice culture. The competition here is very well organized. We're enjoying it a lot."
For first-timers like Kuwait's sailor Hamad Almasoud, the focus is razor-sharp on the podium. "I like China. The competition is really hard and difficult," he said. "All the players are thinking about the medal." 🥇
As the sixth edition of the games sails into its final days, one thing is clear: the "Sanya Spirit" of top-tier efficiency and warm hospitality is winning over Asia's beach sports elite, making this a milestone event for the region. ✨
Reference(s):
Visiting athletes hail Sanya at halfway mark of 2026 Asian Beach Games
cgtn.com
