Sanya: The 6th Asian Beach Games - Sanya 2026 officially opened yesterday in a festive atmosphere reflecting the cultural diversity of Asia. The opening ceremony, held at the Arena Theatre in Yasha Park, featured a spectacular performance entitled A Date with the Sea and Sky.
The vibrant artistic showcase highlighted Asian and Chinese identity while promoting the tourist attractions and tropical nature of Hainan Island, as well as the unique coastal character of Sanya.
The performance embodied the diversity of Asian cultures and the convergence of their civilizations in a celebratory scene reflecting shared values and communication among the peoples of the continent.
The 75-minute ceremony featured a series of segments blending artistic creativity with advanced visual technologies, with lighting effects and digital projections enhancing the visual experience for the audience.
Following the cultural performance, six athletes, including retired table tennis star Ding Ning, lit the torch to officially open the Games. These Games mark the first continental beach sporting event hosted by Hainan and represent the first major international sporting event since the opening of the Hainan Free Trade Port in December 2015.
The Qatari delegation made a notable appearance in the parade of nations, with aquathlon athlete Shaheen Al-Kaabi and women’s beach volleyball player Haya Abu-Issa carrying the Qatari flag.
Qatar handball team continues title defence
Meanwhile, Qatar’s beach handball team continues its campaign today with two matches against Bangladesh and Mongolia in the first round, after winning two matches against Pakistan and Oman on Tuesday.
Qatar will face Jordan tomorrow, followed by Thailand on Sunday, before concluding the group stage against the Maldives on Monday, aiming to secure top position and maintain momentum towards the knockout rounds.
Qatar’s second team of Mohamed Ehab and Moussa Al-Khair face Saudi Arabia today, then Macau and China.
Volleyball teams begin campaign
Qatar’s men’s and women’s beach volleyball teams begin their campaigns today.
The men’s first team, comprising Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, play their opening match against the Maldives, then face Uzbekistan tomorrow, before concluding group stage matches against Iran on Saturday. Meanwhile, the men’s second team, consisting of Mohamed Ehab and Moussa Al-Khair, face Saudi Arabia today, followed by matches against Macau and China.
In the women’s competition, Qatar is represented by two teams. The first team, comprising Haya Abu Issa and Laila Mohammed, begins its campaign tomorrow against Sri Lanka before facing China on Saturday in Group A. The second team, consisting of Malak Hashem and Nelly Shalaby, face teams from Japan and South Korea.
Qatar sailors in action today
Qatar’s sailing team begins its participation in the Games today, with Tamim Shams competing in the Optimist class for boys, while Thani Shams will participate in the ILCA 4 class. Shaheen Al-Kaabi will also compete in the aquathlon competition today. Jiu-jitsu team's Ahmed Al-Qardaghi is scheduled to begin his competition tomorrow.
