The Asian Beach Games torch relay event was held in Sanya.

The torch relay event for the 6th Asian Beach Games was held in Sanya on the 30th. 74 torchbearers ran in sequence, linking together the scenery along the Sanya Bay waterfront over about 10.5 kilometers. This torch relay event, themed “Passing Friendship, See You in Sanya,” includes three segments: the flame collection, the opening/starting ceremony, and the flame extinguishing and collection ceremony. On that day at 7:30 a.m., the flame collection ceremony was held at the torch point at the southern end of the 11th Asian Games at the Tianya Haijiao scenic area. The first torchbearer and Olympic champion Chang Yani said that running with the torch on the beach, with the sea right beside her, is a very special experience, and it also makes her look forward to the upcoming Asian Beach Games with great anticipation. The torch relay route combines three forms—beach, roads, and waterways—passing through competition venues such as the Sanya Bay Haihong Square and the Sanya Photography Base, and ultimately completing the flame collection at the Luhuitou Scenic Area. “Although I have taken part in the Olympics many times, this is the first time I have participated in a torch relay, and I can also be the final torchbearer—I feel especially lucky and especially honored,” said Qi Guangpu, Olympic champion of the Winter Games, adding that what she is most looking forward to is the women’s beach wrestling competition at the Asian Beach Games, and she hopes that Asian athletes, after participating, will truly immerse themselves in experiencing the city charm of Sanya. The 6th Asian Beach Games will be held in Sanya, Hainan, from April 22 to 30. There will be 14 events, 15 disciplines, and 62 sub-events, with 62 gold medals to be awarded. (Xinhua News Agency)