Sanya, Hainan Province is poised to become the epicenter of international sports media as over 1,000 media professionals from across the globe have officially registered to cover the upcoming Sixth Asian Beach Games. The massive media registration was confirmed during the World Press Briefing and World Broadcasters Meeting that concluded on January 20th in the coastal city.
The two-day preparatory event brought together media delegates from numerous countries including Argentina, Bahrain, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, and Italy. These professionals gathered to finalize coverage strategies and conduct comprehensive assessments of the competition venues and media facilities.
Zhou Jian, Director of the Olympic Council of Asia’s media and broadcasting department, emphasized the critical importance of the briefing session. “This gathering provided an invaluable opportunity for international media representatives to evaluate competition venues, assess broadcast infrastructure, and review the overall operational readiness for the Games,” he stated.
International Sports Press Association President Gianni Merlo, in a video address, expressed strong confidence in China’s capability to host major sporting events. “China’s extensive experience in organizing multi-sport events has generated significant trust within the global media community,” Merlo remarked. He further characterized broadcasting as “a vital bridge between nations” and confirmed his anticipated attendance at the April event.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, local officials highlighted the Games’ role in showcasing Hainan’s development as a free trade port. Li Xuanliang, Deputy Director of the Games’ executive committee, noted that the media gathering serves as a platform for regional exchange, enabling global audiences to appreciate both the athletic competitions and Hainan’s economic openness.
Zhang Changfeng, Sanya’s Vice-Mayor and deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee, indicated that preparations have entered their crucial final phase. He extended an invitation to international media to help convey the city’s vibrant sporting atmosphere and traditional hospitality.
Journalists participating in the briefing toured key venues including the Games Park at Tianya Haijiao and the Sanya Sports Center, where they inspected broadcast facilities and media workspaces. Many international correspondents reported experiencing Hainan’s visa-free entry policy under the island’s special customs operations, with several praising the convenience and efficiency of the process.
As the first major international sports event in Hainan following the implementation of special customs operations, the Games are positioned to demonstrate the free trade port’s openness, policy advantages, and unique appeal to Asian and global audiences alike.