OCA Signs Agreement with Philippines to Host 7th Asian Beach Games in Cebu
The Olympic Council of Asia signed an agreement with the Philippine government and the Philippine Olympic Committee on April 27 2026 in Sanya China to host the 7th Asian Beach Games in Cebu in March 2028. The deal was formalized on the sidelines of the 6th edition of the Games which is taking place in the Chinese coastal city. OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and POC President Abraham Tolentino served as signatories according to Qatar News Agency.
Qatar News Agency reported that the agreement reaffirms the OCA’s commitment to further developing beach sports in Asia while enhancing opportunities to host major continental events and contributing to the growth of the Asian Olympic Movement. The organizing committee is preparing a preliminary sports program featuring 24 sports that remains pending final approval from the OCA. Cebu City has confirmed its readiness in terms of infrastructure and organizational capacity while broad participation from National Olympic Committees is expected at the 2028 Games. The signing took place as the sixth edition neared its closing stages in Sanya.
According to the Olympic Council of Asia the Asian Beach Games were first held in Bali Indonesia in 2008 with 45 nations and 1665 athletes competing in 17 sports. Subsequent editions took place in Muscat Oman in 2010 Haiyang China in 2012 Phuket Thailand in 2014 and Da Nang Vietnam in 2016. The sixth edition originally planned for 2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic before being staged in Sanya this year where the agreement for the seventh edition was reached. OCA records show that participation has regularly involved up to 45 National Olympic Committees across the tournament’s history.
The OCA’s published schedule for the Sanya 2026 Games lists 14 sports and 61 events that ran from April 22 to April 30. In contrast the preliminary program for Cebu 2028 features 24 sports which would represent an expansion from several prior editions the Qatar News Agency report indicated. Results from the Sanya competition have been published on the OCA website including medals in wrestling and beach handball. The current Games provided the venue for the formal handover of hosting responsibilities to the Philippines.
An official OCA communication confirmed that the Asian Beach Games flag was passed to Cebu representatives during the closing phase of the Sanya event. The Philippine Olympic Committee has coordinated closely with the OCA on the bid and agreement process. Cebu will become the first Philippine city to host the continental beach sports gathering. Organizers will now advance detailed preparations in line with OCA guidelines for the March 2028 Games.
OCA data from past editions indicate that host nations have often performed strongly in the medal standings due to conditions that favor local athletes. The Games focus on a range of beach and water-based disciplines that align with Asia’s extensive coastlines. Qatar News Agency noted that the Philippine side emphasized Cebu’s preparedness to deliver an event meeting all required standards. This hosting assignment continues the rotation of the Games among OCA member nations following five previous editions and the ongoing sixth.
