By Zaynab Kawtharani
OCA Young Reporter
Sanya, China, April 30, 2026: At a time when distance, conflict and difference continue to shape realities across regions, the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 offered a contrasting image, one where sport became a space for connection, resilience and shared purpose.
Located on the southern coast of China’s Hainan Island, Sanya served as the host city of the Games, providing a setting that aligns naturally with the identity of beach sports. With its tropical climate, coastal venues and purpose-built competition areas such as the Tianya Haijiao venue cluster and the Sanya River course, the city delivered an environment designed for both performance and experience.
Beyond infrastructure, the organization stood out through the efforts of more than 400 volunteers, whose energy and constant support created a welcoming atmosphere, reflecting generosity and openness throughout the Games.
Within this environment, Lebanon’s participation carried particular significance. Competing across multiple disciplines, the delegation delivered notable performances, including a bronze medal in teqball secured by Ahmad Arabi and Mohammad Hafez, alongside strong results in beach volleyball and the participation of Jawad Youness in aquathlon.
For me, this presence went beyond results. Seeing Lebanon compete under such circumstances was a moment of pride, especially knowing the challenges faced before arriving in Sanya.
Coming to these Games was not only a professional step, but a personal journey shaped by circumstances back home. Traveling from Lebanon during a period marked by war and instability required persistence beyond preparation.
Arriving in Sanya as the only Lebanese journalist covering the event carried a responsibility that went beyond reporting. It became a reflection of a belief I held on to throughout the experience, to remain stubborn in pursuing a dream, to continue despite uncertainty, and to rely on determination and hard work to move forward, even when the path is unclear.
Among the stories that remained most impactful was that of Jawad Youness. Arriving at the Games after nearly six weeks without proper swim training due to the situation back home, he still stepped on to the start line and competed against more experienced athletes. His participation alone reflected resilience, redefining what it means to show up and represent.
Another moment that stayed with me came from Philippines 3x3 basketball player Yesi, who said after her team’s win, “We enjoy the game, but we fight too.” Her words extended beyond sport, carrying a message that applies to life itself, that balance between passion and resilience is essential.
This spirit of connection was visible throughout the Games, particularly within the Athletes’ Village. It was there that athletes from different countries interacted, exchanged cultures and supported one another beyond competition, giving real meaning to the idea of unity.
That same idea of unity was embodied in dragon boat racing on the Sanya River. Teams moved in complete synchronization, paddling as if they were a single entity, demonstrating coordination, trust and collective strength. Rooted in a tradition that dates back more than 2,000 years in China and associated with the story of the poet Qu Yuan, the sport carries deep cultural meaning, transforming each race into a reflection of unity in motion.
The Games also highlighted the broader role of sport in overcoming barriers. During a press conference, Husain Al Musallam, OCA Director General and President of World Aquatics, stated that the Olympic Council of Asia is working to support athletes coming from countries affected by conflict, helping them cross borders and participate despite restrictions. This reinforced the idea that sport remains a platform that connects people even in times of division.
From a personal perspective, the experience also shaped my understanding of journalism. Managing time, working under pressure, navigating communication barriers and ensuring accuracy in reporting were constant challenges. Yet through these challenges, I learned how to adapt, prioritize and maintain credibility, skills that define the responsibility of being a journalist.
Gratitude is extended to the Olympic Council of Asia for organizing the Young Reporters Programme, an opportunity that transformed learning into lived experience. Sincere appreciation is also given to Mr. Jeremy Walker, Chief Editor of the Olympic Council of Asia, who instilled in me the discipline of accuracy and the responsibility behind every word; Mr. Jeans Zhou Jian, Director of OCA Media and Broadcast, who pushed me to take ownership and rise to the standards of the profession; Ms. Cris Zhou Jiewen, whose constant support and guidance turned every challenge into something manageable; Mr. Roukouz Zgheib, Head of the Lebanese Delegation, for his trust and support; and my fellow young reporter and sister, Hana Al Dayyat from Jordan, who shared every moment of this journey and turned pressure into strength.
Together, they were more than mentors, colleagues, or companions; they were a family. In a place far from home, they became home. Across distance, the Olympic Council of Asia gave meaning to belonging, reminding me that home is not a place you come from, but a place where you are understood.
Sanya 2026 showed that across distance, conflict and difference, what binds people is stronger than what divides them, the will to connect, to share, and to stand as one Asia.