The 6th Asian Beach Games opened on Wednesday evening in Sanya, Hainan amid fanfare.
State Councillor Shen Yiqin declared the Games open.
Forty-five delegations took part in the opening ceremony at the seaside Yasha Park in Sanya.
A total of 1,790 athletes are participating in the Games that will run through April 30, featuring 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events.
China is sending 171 athletes to compete in 13 sports and 60 events, the country’s largest participation in Games history.
The Hong Kong, China delegation features 84 athletes taking part in eight sports.
This is the first time Hainan has hosted a continental-level beach sports event.
The 6th Asian Beach Games, originally set for 2020, was postponed twice, due chiefly to Covid-19. (Additional reporting by Xinhua)
