Sanya, China, April 22, 2026: Thailand and Qatar won both their opening games in the men’s beach handball competition at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya on Tuesday, April 21 - one day before the opening ceremony.
Beach handball was the first of the 14 sports on the programme to see action, and Thailand and Qatar got straight down to business in Group B.
Thailand defeated Jordan and then Mongolia both by 2-0, while Qatar beat Pakistan and Oman, also by two sets to nil, to lead the way with four points.
The Thais have a points difference of plus 29 (69-40), while Qatar is on plus 16 (74-58).
There was a VIP guest for the Gulf derby between Qatar and Oman – none other than the OCA President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani.
Thailand and Qatar lead Group B, ahead of Oman, Pakistan, Jordan and the Maldives, all with two points from one win.
In Group A, China lost 2-0 to Bahrain before beating Sri Lanka 2-0 for two points – the same as Iran, Philippines and Bahrain with one win. Hong Kong China and Sri Lanka lost their opening game.
Group A: Philippines 2 Hong Kong China 0, China 0 Bahrain 2, Iran 2 Philippines 0, China 2 Sri Lanka 0.
Group B: Jordan 0 Thailand 2, Pakistan 0 Qatar 2, Maldives 2 Bangladesh 1, Oman 2 Mongolia 0, Jordan 2 Maldives 0, Pakistan 2 Bangladesh 0, Mongolia 0 Thailand 2, Oman 0 Qatar 2.
