The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has announced the return of the Asian Beach Games, which will be held next year in Sanya, located on Hainan Island in southern China. The sporting event, which was postponed due to the global pandemic, will mark its sixth edition.

Sanya was scheduled to host the Asian Beach Games in 2020, but the event was canceled as a result of the global health crisis. Now, the OCA has confirmed the new dates for its staging.

Dates of the Asian Beach Games 2026

During the 45th OCA General Assembly in Kuwait, the Asian Olympic Committee and the Chinese Olympic Committee unanimously agreed to revive the Asian Beach Games in Sanya. According to the official communiqué, the event will be held from April 22 to 30, 2026.

The OCA Director General expressed, “I am pleased to inform you that we have decided to revive the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, which were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” It was further stated that the detailed sports program and other logistical aspects will be communicated soon.

History of the Asian Beach Games

The Asian Beach Games were first held in Bali, Indonesia in 2008. Since then, they have passed through Muscat, Oman (2010), Haiyang, China (2012), Phuket, Thailand (2014) and Danang, Vietnam (2016). This event has established itself as a unique platform for beach and sea sports.

The concept of the Asian Beach Games has proven to be attractive to host cities, as it not only promotes tourism, but also creates a family-friendly and fun environment in natural and sustainable conditions.