Lanka opens campaign

•  Competition gets underway at Sanya 2026 

Competition at the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 commenced on Wednesday (22), 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 match, marking the nation’s opening appearance at the Games. Sri Lanka was defeated 0-2, with China securing the match in straight sets, 18-8 and 20-8.

Sri Lanka is represented at the Games by a contingent of 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 the opening match, sailing, beach kabaddi and beach volleyball competitions are scheduled to commence on 23 April, while beach athletics will begin on 24 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 26 April, with beach wrestling scheduled to begin on 28 April.

The opening ceremony of Sanya 2026 was held on Wednesday (22) at Yasha Park under the theme “A Date with the Sea and the Sky.” The ceremony reflected the coastal setting of the host city and the nature of the Games.

Sri Lanka’s flag was carried by Lakshika Sugandhi (athletics) and Haren Dineth Wickramatillake (sailing), who led the national contingent.

Organised by the Olympic Council of Asia, the Asian Beach Games is a multi-sport event focused on 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 hiatus.

The Sanya edition has attracted over 10,000 participants from 45 countries and regions, featuring 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 medal events. Competitions are being conducted across multiple venues along the Sanya coastline.

As the Games progress, Sri Lanka will continue its campaign across multiple disciplines in the coming days.

Source - The Morning