Sanya, China, April 21, 2026: As Sanya prepares to pull open the curtain on the 6th Asian Beach Games, the atmosphere at the Athletes’ Village on Tuesday got a touch of Olympic royalty. It’s always a different vibe when storied traditions of the Olympic movement meet the sun-soaked energy of a beach sports competition.
Walking through the Village, the atmosphere wasn't one of rigid protocol but a genuine emotional connect. Former IOC President Thomas Bach made his rounds, not as a dignitary but as a man who seemed to be enjoying a homecoming. He chatted with volunteers, swapped stories with catering staff and even shared a moment with a 13-year-old Indian sailor, Krishna Venkitachalam Ramakrishnan, who waited patiently for a photo and left with an Olympic pin and a memory for the ages.
Since his tenure as IOC President, Bach has championed the idea of giving athletes a seat at the table. Today, he took that literally. Sitting, rather standing the entire duration of 45 minutes, among the competitors, he laughed, joked and offered moments of profound empathy. Reaching out to the Iranian contingent, he spoke with visible warmth: “I hope your families are safe,” adding, “We are thinking about you all the time and we hope it ends soon.”
He checked in on the Afghanistan and Bahrain teams, inquiring about everything from the training facilities to the quality of the food. When an Afghan beach wrestler invited him to watch a bout, Bach offered a rare moment of personal regret. “I really wish I could, but I would be leaving before your event starts,” he noted. “But good luck to your team and Afghanistan.”
When asked by a Bahraini athlete what his role in world sport looks like these days, Bach’s answer was refreshingly candid.
“Now I am a fan of sport and athletes. Now I don’t follow instructions on which sport to watch at the Games. I am a free man. This is a role I am enjoying.”
Before departing to a round of applause, Bach left the athletes with a reminder of the weight their jerseys carry. He looked ahead to LA 28, urging them to remember that they are messengers of peace. “You are sending a great message not only in Asia but across the world that it is possible to have a peaceful competition,” he said.
For the rising stars in Sanya, the visit was more than a photo op. As one athlete from Hong Kong, China put it: “Having him in our midst, asking about the small things, makes the Games feel real.” With the IOC Honorary Life President’s seal of approval, Sanya isn't just ready, it's officially time to hit the beach.