A show of solidarity in a fractured world, Games look to unite the continent

Solidarity, unity and cultural exchange took center stage as the 6th Asian Beach Games opened this week in Sanya, Hainan province, with Olympic officials and local hosts framing the event as a powerful symbol in a fractured world.

The Games, the first international multi-sport event to be held in the island province since the launch of its special customs operations at the Hainan Free Trade Port, drew about 1,800 athletes from 45 countries and regions, and about 5,000 volunteers, to the coastal city.

"This is not only an important window through which Sanya and Hainan can display its openness and developmental vitality to Asia and the world," said Xiang Yihai, the Games' news command center director, vice-mayor of Sanya and a member of the Sanya Municipal Party Committee, at a news conference on Thursday.

"It is also a platform to tell Chinese and Asian stories, and promote exchanges among civilizations. It is a gathering for beach athletes from the Olympic Council of Asia family to overcome difficulties, chase dreams and embody the spirit of sport."

Husain Al Musallam, director general of the Olympic Council of Asia, emphasized Asia's distinct approach to multi-sport events and its diverse cultures.

"Competition is important, but to have a legacy after the Games is equally so," he said, pointing to the OCA's "One Asia" cultural theme, which connects the region through folklore, food festivals, music and other activities.

"Since 1982, the Games have combined culture and sport together," Al Musallam said. "We have organized so many cultural events with the Games. But the OCA created this new theme of culture called 'One Asia' that brings Asians more together on music, sport and other activities, especially connecting the youth."