The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) today officially unveiled Team Sri Lanka for the 6th Asian Beach Games at a press conference held in Colombo, marking a significant step in the nation’s journey to Sanya 2026.
Set to take place from 22 to 30 April 2026 in the tropical coastal city of Sanya in China, the Games will bring together athletes from across Asia in a vibrant celebration of beach and sea sports. The Opening Ceremony will be held on 22 April, with the Closing Ceremony scheduled for 30 April.
Sri Lanka will be represented by a total contingent of 109 members, including 77 athletes comprising 40 male and 37 female competitors, who will compete across eight sports. The delegation also includes officials, coaches, and medical personnel who will support the team throughout the Games.
The eight sports in which Team Sri Lanka will compete are Beach Athletics, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, 3×3 Basketball, Open Water Swimming, Beach Wrestling, and Sailing.
In a message shared ahead of today’s event, President of NOC Sri Lanka, Suresh Subramaniam, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and spirit, stating, “The journey to Sanya marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Team Sri Lanka. With 77 athletes competing in eight sports, we move forward with belief, unity, and national pride, ready to showcase the very best of Sri Lankan sport to the world. We are incredibly proud of our contingent’s dedication and hard work, and we stand firmly behind the teams as they compete with courage and determination for our nation.”
The Chef de Mission for Team Sri Lanka, Mr. Samith Thilina, was also formally introduced. A multidisciplinary professional with expertise in sports management, disaster risk reduction, and creative design, he is actively involved with Sri Lanka Life Saving, contributing to water safety and community resilience initiatives. Adding a unique dimension to his role, he is also the designer of Team Sri Lanka’s official Team Attire for Sanya 2026. The designs are inspired by the Black Ruby Barb, an endemic fish species of Sri Lanka, and reflect oceanic elements that symbolise the nation’s identity as an island surrounded by the sea.
The official team attire and the Opening Ceremony outfit were also unveiled during the press conference, showcasing a distinctive blend of national symbolism and contemporary design.
Team Sri Lanka’s flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony will be Lakshika Sugandhi and Haren Dineth Wickramatillake. Lakshika Sugandhi will compete in Athletics in the Women’s 60m and Women’s 4x60m events, while Haren Dineth Wickramatillake will represent Sri Lanka in Sailing in the Optimist Boys category.
The press conference was attended by Ms. Niloo Jayathilake, Vice President of NOC Sri Lanka and Chairperson of the Games Committee of NOC Sri Lanka; Mr. Rifdy Fahmy, Secretary General of NOC Sri Lanka; Mr. S. Achchuthan, Director General of Sports at the Department of Sports Development of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; Mr. Shirantha Peries, Vice President of NOC Sri Lanka; Mr. Asanka Aryachandra, Executive Board Member of NOC Sri Lanka; and Mr. Samith Thilina, Chef de Mission of Team Sri Lanka for the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026. Representatives from each of the participating sports were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. S. Achchuthan emphasised the importance of disciplined conduct within the contingent, noting that they will serve as ambassadors of Sri Lanka on the international stage. He also stated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has allocated nearly LKR 70 million to support the contingent, expressing confidence in the team and conveying the hopes and best wishes of the entire nation.
As Team Sri Lanka prepares to take on Asia’s best, the nation looks ahead with pride and optimism, united in support of its athletes as they compete on one of the region’s premier sporting stage.
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