Asian Beach Games postponed, says NOC Chief

By Susil Premalal

The Sixth Asian Beach Games scheduled to be held in Sanya, China from November 28 to December 5 has been postponed, according to Suresh Subramaniam, President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC).

“The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Chinese Olympic Committee are in discussion to reschedule the dates due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah had stated in a circular to the Head of the NOCs on Saturday.

“It is unlikely that any local or international sports events could be held this year because of the pandemic. All these international events are likely to be carried over to 2021,” Subramaniam told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

There are a total of 19 disciplines at this year’s Games and Sri Lanka hopes to compete in eight of these events. 

The Asian Beach Games is organised every two years by the OCA with the participation of 40 member countries.

The Sports Ministry has proposed that Sri Lanka take part in beach volleyball, beach kabaddi, 3x3 basketball, aquatics (marathon swimming), aquathlon, teqball, surfing and beach wrestling.

The respective National Sports Associations, set to participate at the Asian Beach Games had been requested by the Sports Ministry to commence preparations for the event by selecting players and National Pool training.

Sri Lanka have regularly participated at the Asian Beach Games since its inception, winning two Bronze Medals on every occasion except in 2008.