World Beach Games begin with entertaining opening ceremony

In what was a celebration of a nation blessed with an abundance of Sun, sand and sea, the first-ever Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games were officially launched at Katara on Saturday with a tasteful opening ceremony that blended traditional local culture with modern international sport.

Hundreds of athletes from 97 countries enjoyed a gloriously choreographed evening of entertainment in the Amphitheatre of Katara Beach where a vast majority of the action is taking place until October 16.