Sanya opens sixth Asian Beach Games with coastal-themed ceremony

The sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games officially opened on Wednesday evening in Sanya, with a vibrant ceremony staged to launch the continental competition in south China's Hainan Province.

Held at Yasha Park, the 75-minute show highlighted the host city's waterside identity, combining sand, sea and sky under the themes "Passion of Sea and Sky," "Dreams of the Deep Blue" and "Connecting the World."

A total of 45 delegations marched into the Asian Beach Games, an event originally scheduled for 2020 and then postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers said the gathering has attracted around 10,000 participants, including more than 1,600 athletes.

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin declared the competition open, while Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani praised China's experience in hosting major international events.

The highlight of the opening ceremony came during the cauldron lighting, when six torchbearers converged on a "Ring of Sunshine"-shaped stage to ignite the flame together, with the structure transforming into a glowing centerpiece.

Chief director Huang Peiling said the ceremony was designed to create an immersive experience, while the Asian Beach Games mascot, the Eld's deer "Yaya," featured prominently throughout the performance.

The gala concluded with the theme song "See ya in Sanya" performed by volunteers.

The Asian Beach Games will run from April 22 to 30, featuring 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events. The Sanya edition marks the second time for China to host the event, following Haiyang in 2012.

China has fielded its largest-ever delegation for the competition, with 255 members, including 171 athletes participating across 13 sports.