Sanya, China, April 22, 2026: Giant jellyfish, daredevil gymnasts and a colourful cast of energetic dancers contributed to a memorable opening ceremony for the 6th Asian Beach Games at Yasha Park on Wednesday night.
In a 75-minute ceremony that combined the required protocol, including the parade of athletes, with a dazzling show, Sanya 2026 organisers made a gold medal start to the Games.
The show projected Sanya as a vibrant and welcoming holiday destination, and tapped into the bounty of the sea and the ideal sandy bay capable of hosting a variety of beach sports.
The opening ceremony blended Asian spirit, Chinese characteristics, Hainan’s charm and Sanya’s unique coastal character in a fast-moving, perfectly choreographed artistic performance in which dancing robots played their part.
Entitled “A Date with the Sea and the Sky”, it focused on the themes of “Vitality, Openness and Joy.” The cultural performance was played out in three chapters, the second of which captivated the spectators with a display of giant sea creatures, including turtles, from deep in the ocean.
Giant jellyfish floated above the stadium, while performers connected with the crowd by taking models of other ocean dwellers into the crowd for the personal touch. It all ended with a deafening firework display as Sanya now focuses on the 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events of the 6th ABG.
Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin had the honour of declaring the Games open, following speeches by the Governor of Hainan Provice, Liu Xiaoming, and the OCA President, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani.
“This is the moment Asia has been waiting for,” Sheikh Joaan said.
“Tonight, we open a celebration that belongs to our entire continent, to 45 National Olympic Committees, to billions of people across Asia and to our inspiring athletes.
“And we do so in a nation whose record as a host of international sport is unrivalled. Few countries boast such a strong track record as China, having hosted the summer and winter Olympic Games, countless Asian Games and many more.
“Tonight we add the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 to that proud legacy,” Sheikh Joaan said, to roars from the crowd.
“On behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia, and on behalf of all 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the city of Sanya and the Chinese Olympic Committee for your vision, passion and commitment to making these Games a reality.”
The OCA President stressed that the athletes gathered in Sanya can serve as peace ambassadors in times of conflict.
“Our world and our continent face profound challenges. There are wars. There is hardship. There is division,” he said.
“Yet these Games speak a language of peace. Of solidarity. Of our shared humanity. They are a symbol of hope – a message of what can be achieved when 45 National Olympic Committees come together in peaceful competition.
“To our athletes, I urge you to spread this message of peace and to showcase the best of us.”
After the VIP guests, including IOC Honorary Life President Thomas Bach, had taken their seats, the parade of athletes was quickly up and running.
Hong Kong-China, Macao-China and Chinese Taipei all received a rapturous welcome, as did the delegations from the Islamic Republic of Iran and from Palestine. China, entering the arena last as protocol dictates for the host country, looked ominous even in the march past with a huge team of athletes.
After the cultural performance, six athletes – including OCA Athletes’ Committee Chair and retired table tennis star Ding Ning – lit the cauldron, signaling the start of the 6th Asian Beach Games.
The Games marks the first time Hainan has hosted a continental-level beach sports event. It is also the first major international sporting event since the island-wide Hainan Free Trade Port was inaugurated in December 2025.
