Colombo, 21 April 2026 – Competition at the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 commenced today, a day ahead of the official Opening Ceremony, with Team Sri Lanka beginning its campaign in Beach Handball.

 

Sri Lanka faced the People’s Republic of China in the Men’s Preliminary Round Group A encounter, marking the nation’s first appearance at the Games. Sri Lanka was defeated 0–2, with China claiming the match in straight sets, 18–8 and 20–8.

Sri Lanka is represented at the Games by a contingent including 77 athletes competing across eight sports: Beach Athletics, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, 3x3 Basketball, Open Water Swimming, Beach Wrestling, and Sailing.

 

Several Sri Lankan teams have already arrived in Sanya, including Beach Handball, Beach Athletics, Beach Kabaddi, Sailing, and Beach Volleyball. Following today’s start in Beach Handball, Sailing, Beach Kabaddi, and Beach Volleyball competitions are scheduled to commence on 23rd April, while Beach Athletics will begin on 24th April.

 

The remaining contingents in Aquatics (Open Water Swimming), Beach Wrestling, and 3x3 Basketball are yet to depart. Open Water Swimming and 3x3 Basketball events are set to commence on 26th April, with Beach Wrestling scheduled to begin on 28th April.

 

The Opening Ceremony of Sanya 2026 will take place tomorrow, 22nd April, at 05.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time, at Yasha Park under the theme “A Date with the Sea and the Sky.” Set against a coastal backdrop, the ceremony is expected to present a visually immersive celebration reflecting the spirit of beach sport and the host city. Team Sri Lanka’s flag will be carried by Lakshika Sugandhi (Athletics) and Haren Dineth Wickramatillake (Sailing), who will lead the national contingent at the ceremony.

 

Organised by the Olympic Council of Asia, the Asian Beach Games is a multi-sport event dedicated to beach and coastal disciplines. First held in Bali in 2008, the Games were last staged in Da Nang in 2016 and return in 2026 following a prolonged hiatus.

 

The Sanya edition has drawn over 10,000 participants from 45 countries and regions and will feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines, and 62 medal events. Competitions are being conducted across multiple venue clusters along the Sanya coastline, highlighting the unique “coastal plus urban” concept of the Games.

 

As competition gathers momentum, Team Sri Lanka will look to build on its opening appearance, with multiple disciplines set to take centre stage in the days ahead.

 

- End    -