Shen, Yan to carry China’s flag at Sanya 2026 opening ceremony

Yan Peng of China drives to the basket (Photo: Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Yan Peng of China drives to the basket (Photo: Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

Sanya, China, April 20, 2026: Beach handball athlete Shen Ping and 3x3 basketball player Yan Peng will serve as China's flagbearers at the opening ceremony of the 6th Asian Beach Games, the Chinese delegation announced on Monday, April 20.

The Sanya Games, scheduled for April 22 to 30, will feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events, with the aim of promoting tourism and international exchanges.

It marks the second time China has hosted the Games, following the 2012 edition in Haiyang, Shandong Province.

The opening ceremony, themed around vitality, openness and joy, will be held on Wednesday, April 22 at Sanya Asian Beach Games Park, starting at 8pm.

As host nation, China will march last in the parade of athletes, which will kick off the 75-minute opening ceremony.