- The vibrant artistic showcase highlighted Asian and Chinese identity
The 6th Asian Beach Games - Sanya 2026 officially opened yesterday in a festive atmosphere reflecting the cultural diversity of Asia. The opening ceremony, held at the Arena Theatre in Yasha Park, featured a spectacular performance entitled ‘A Date with the Sea and Sky.’
The vibrant artistic showcase highlighted Asian and Chinese identity while promoting the tourist attractions and tropical nature of Hainan Island, as well as the unique coastal character of Sanya. Following the cultural performance, six athletes, including retired table tennis star Ding Ning, lit the torch to officially open the Games. The Qatari delegation made a notable appearance in the parade of nations, with aquathlon athlete Shaheen al-Kaabi and women’s beach volleyball player Haya Abu-Issa carrying the Qatari flag.
Beach Handball Team Continues Title Defence
Meanwhile, Qatar’s beach handball team continues its campaign today with two matches against Bangladesh and Mongolia in the first round, after winning two matches against Pakistan and Oman on Tuesday.
Qatar will face Jordan tomorrow, followed by Thailand on Sunday, before concluding the group stage against the Maldives on Monday, aiming to secure top position and maintain momentum towards the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s men’s and women’s beach volleyball teams begin their campaigns today. The men’s first team, comprising Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, play their opening match against the Maldives, then face Uzbekistan tomorrow, before concluding group stage matches against Iran on Saturday. Meanwhile, the men’s second team, consisting of Mohamed Ehab and Moussa al-Khair, face Saudi Arabia today, followed by matches against Macau and China.
In the women’s competition, Qatar is represented by two teams. The first team, comprising Haya Abu Issa and Laila Mohammed, begins its campaign tomorrow against Sri Lanka before facing China on Saturday in Group A. The second team, consisting of Malak Hashem and Nelly Shalaby, face teams from Japan and South Korea in Group B.
Qatar’s sailing team begins its participation, with Tamim Shams competing in the Optimist class for boys, while Thani Shams will participate in the ILCA 4 class. Shaheen al-Kaabi will also compete in the aquathlon competition today. Jiu-jitsu team member Ahmed Al-Qardaghi is scheduled to begin his competition tomorrow in the men’s 77kg weight class.