Sanya, China, April 23, 2026: The Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, Husain Al Musallam, said the participation of all 45 National Olympic Committees in the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China proved the unity and solidarity of Asia.
Speaking at a press conference at the Main Media Centre on Thursday, Mr. Al Musallam said several countries had faced challenges due to the conflict in the Middle East, yet all of them had found their way to Sanya.
“The Asian sports family is fully united,” he said. “It demonstrates to the world that Asia is the best.”
Mr. Al Musallam said Asia had witnessed wars and conflict in various regions down the years but the Asian Games had always brought countries together. He mentioned the wars in Korea, Vietnam, between India and Pakistan and in Afghanistan – and, in current times, how the countries in the Middle East had shown their commitment to the Olympic Movement by travelling to Sanya, despite hardships and challenges.
“It is our duty to protect the youth and sports in Asia,” he added.
Describing the opening ceremony of the Asian Beach Games the previous evening as “fantastic”, Mr. Al Musallam said it proved China’s continued commitment to the Olympic Movement in Asia and the world.
“China is the only country in the world to have hosted the summer and winter Olympic Games, using some of the same venues, in Beijing. China has also hosted two Asian Games in the last two years – the Asian Winter Games in Harbin and now the Asian Beach Games in Sanya.
“Before that we had the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, the Asian Games in Guangzhou in 2010 and in Beijing in 1990. This is the successful story of the OCA and China.”
Another factor that sets Asia apart, he said, was the cultural aspect, as the OCA has created the “One Asia” brand to expand from sports competition into culture to connect the youth and establish a legacy.
The OCA's First Vice President, Timothy Fok, described the opening ceremony as "wonderful", with 1,800 athletes and 5,000 volunteers setting the scene for a successful Asian Beach Games.