The 6th Asian Beach Games are currently underway in Sanya, Hainan Province, running from April 22 to 30, 2026. This year’s Games feature 14 major sports and will crown winners across 62 gold medal events. Nearly 1,800 athletes from 45 countries and regions across Asia have gathered to compete.

Whether you’re in town following events or just for fun, here are the top highlights and must-watch events of the Games.

1. A Panoramic Display of Sand and Sport

The Games offer a diverse lineup ranging from ball games and water sports to combat disciplines. While beach soccer, beach volleyball, and 3x3 basketball remain fan favorites, the inclusion of beach wrestling and jujitsu brings a raw, competitive edge to the shoreline.

What to watch: Beach Handball. Having kicked off on April 21, this high-octane sport blends music with intense athleticism. Spectacular moves like 360-degree spins and alley-oops earn extra points, making matches a non-stop highlight reel of airborne acrobatics.

Snapshot of a beach handball match (Photo by Yang Guanyu, Xinhua News）

2. The Unpredictable Near-Shore Arena

Water polo takes a bold leap from the pool to the open ocean in Sanya Bay. Unlike indoor matches, athletes must contend with shifting tides, currents, and wind. These environmental variables demand peak physical stamina and technical precision, making every match a thrilling battle against both the opponent and the elements.

Snapshot of a water polo match (Photo by Pan Yulong, Xinhua News）

3. Beach Soccer: High-Scoring Coastal Drama

Starting April 23, the sand is set to sizzle with beach soccer action. Compared to the traditional 11-a-side game, beach soccer is faster and more aggressive. Expect a flurry of flick-ups, volleys, and the sport’s signature move: the bicycle kick. With a smaller pitch and frequent shooting opportunities, the goal rate is exceptionally high.

Snapshot of a beach soccer match (Photo by Yang Xuyu, Xinhua News）

4. Teqball Makes Its Beach Debut

In a historic first, Teqball has been included as an official medal sport. Often described as "football played on a table-tennis table," Teqball has seen a global surge in popularity. Moving the curved tables onto the sand adds a fresh, tropical twist to this highly technical and fast-paced game.

Snapshot of a Tepball match (Photo by Wang Kaiyan, Xinhua News）

5. Track and... Sand: The Ultimate Test of Endurance

Beach Athletics begins on April 24, featuring sprints, relays, long jump, high jump, and shot put. Running on soft, shifting sand is significantly more taxing than rubber or astroturf. Fans will witness a unique display of raw power as athletes fight for traction in one of the most physically demanding versions of track and field.

Snapshot of a beach marathon. (Photo by Guo Cheng, Xinhua News）

6. Olympic Favorites, Reimagined

Fans of the Olympic Games will recognize several familiar “faces,” including 3x3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, and Speed Climbing. Seeing these elite disciplines in a beach setting offers a more relaxed, "festival-style" atmosphere while maintaining the world-class competitive standards associated with the Olympic movement.

Snapshot of a 3X3 basketball match (Photo by Sun Fanyue, Xinhua News）

7. "The Coast is the Court"

The 2026 Games have embraced the "Competition as Scenery" concept. By utilizing Sanya’s natural coastline as the primary venue, the event merges world-class sports with a premium holiday vibe.

Vacationers and sunset in Sanya (Photo by Zhang Xinchao, Xinhua News）