The Sports Ministry on June 10 said it supports “in principle” the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) willingness to host the Asian Beach Games in the country in 2024.
Second largest multi-sporting event in Asia
The Asian Beach Games, has been seen as the second largest multi sporting event in Asia, after the Asian Games, which is held every two years featuring athletes from all over the continent.
Sports minister supports ‘in-principle’ to host the 2024 Asian Beach Games in India
In a letter addressed to IOA general secretary Rajeev Mehta, the Sports Ministry said, “The Ministry supports ‘in-principle’ the IOA’s intent to host the 2024 Asian Beach Games in India, as hosting of international tournament provides opportunities for greater representation because of direct entries permitted to host countries.”
Provides opportunities
Hosting of international tournaments also provides opportunities for utilising of sports infrastructure/facilities and augmenting of the same and enhancing the capabilities, skills, and preparedness relating to various activities relating to international events.
Multi-sporting event to be hosted in 2023
The last edition of the Asian Beach Games, which was supposed to be hosted in the Chinese city of Sanya, was postponed twice in 2020 and 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Sanya is scheduled to host the multi-sporting event in 2023.
