Sanya, China, April 30, 2026: The President of the Olympic Council of Asia, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, declared the 6th Asian Beach Games closed at Yasha Park on Thursday, April 30.
After describing Sanya 2026 as an “exceptional” Asian Beach Games, Sheikh Joaan had the duty to officially close the Games, which opened on April 22 at the same venue and featured 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events.
In his speech, Sheikh Joaan said: “Together, as one Asia, we have made history. United by our love of sport and a shared dream, we showed the very best of our continent.”
He said Sanya had risen to the occasion and announced itself on the world stage.
Sheikh Joaan congratulated the people of Sanya, the Sanya Asian Beach Games Organising Committee, the Chinese Olympic Committee, the city of Sanya, Hainan province and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for delivering “an exceptional edition” of the Asian Beach Games.
He added: “I have no doubt this will be the first of many great sports events hosted in Sanya. As these Games draw to a close, we know that the spirit of Sanya will stay with us. It will always remind us that, when Asia unites, anything is possible.”
The President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Gao Zhidan, said the organisers had delivered a “simple, safe and splendid” Asian Beach Games thanks to the support of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the OCA.
Chen Xi, Mayor of Sanya, handed the OCA flag to Gao, who then passed it to Sheikh Joaan. Sheikh Joaan subsequently presented the flag to Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, marking the handover to Cebu, which will host the next edition of the Asian Beach Games in March 2028.
After the cauldron had been extinguished, the cultural show was entitled “Memories Last Forever”, with the grand finale of the "Beach Concert: Welcome to Tianya Haijiao", referring to the main tourist attraction in Sanya.
China finished on top of the medals table with 24 gold, 18 silver and 13 bronze medals for 55 total medals, followed by Thailand in second place with 10 gold and the Islamic Republic of Iran with nine gold.
