By Zaynab Kawtharani
OCA Young Reporter
Sanya, China, April 29, 2026: The Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, Husain Al Musallam, has praised the historic world record set in sport climbing at the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, describing it as a defining moment for Asian sport and a milestone for the global sporting community.
Speaking during a press conference at the Main Media Centre on April 29, Captain Husain congratulated the athlete on behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia and the broader Olympic sports movement in Asia, highlighting the significance of the achievement for the region.
He noted that such performances reflect the continued development of sport across Asia and its growing presence on the world stage.
“The new world record in men's individual sport climbing, 4.58 seconds, makes it even more important for the world to watch what is happening here in Sanya,” he said, emphasizing the global attention drawn by the performance.
"The new world record is important in China and Asia and I would like to offer congratulations on behalf of the OCA and the whole Olympic Movement in Asia."
China’s Zhao Yicheng set the new world record of 4.58 seconds in the men’s speed climbing event, marking one of the standout achievements of the Games and reinforcing the country’s strength in the discipline. The previous world record of 4.64 seconds had been set in 2025 by Samuel Watson of the United States, making the new mark in Sanya a significant progression in international competition.
Capt. Husain also reflected on the broader impact of the Games, linking sporting excellence to long-term development. “This is to demonstrate how sport can play a positive impact in the city and the citizens of the city,” he said, pointing to Sanya’s transformation in recent years, including its emergence as a free trade port and an increasingly accessible international destination.
He added that the Games were "green, safe, simple and digital" and had brought together 45 National Olympic Committees from across Asia, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration. “They enjoy the competition here. They enjoy to have a good time in this beautiful city,” he said.
“Sanya will be different after the games. It will be a tourist destination for Asia and the world,” he concluded.