Haiyang, China: The Torch Relay for the 3rd Asian Beach Games was held in the host city of Haiyang on Thursday morning, two days before the opening ceremony at Heqing Stadium on Saturday, June 16. The Chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia’s Sports Committee, Zhang Jilong, had the honour of running the first leg of the relay in his hometown of Haiyang in Shandong province.

He then passed the flame on to OCA representatives Reza Charim, Director, Anti-Doping Department, and Dr. Jaffer Al-Muthafer, Director, International Relations. “I am very happy to join in this special celebration and to ‘Share the Joy’ of the 3rd Asian Beach Games in the city of Haiyang along with my country fellows,” said Mr Zhang, referring to the slogan of the Games.

“I have seen great changes in the last few years since Haiyang was appointed by OCA to host the 3rd Asian Beach Games. They are definitely prepared to host the Games. “They have really encouraged the people to be more active in sports and have developed the economy and culture alongside the Games.”

The Torch Relay began in Jinan, capital of Shandong province, on June 12 and took in Yantai city on June 13 before coming to the municipality of Haiyang. The 3rd ABG run from June 16-22 and will offer 49 gold medals in 13 sports. The inaugural ABG was held in Bali, Indonesia, in October 2008, followed by Muscat, Oman, in December 2010. The event has proved so popular that the next two ABG have already been awarded, to Phuket, Thailand, in 2014 and to Nha Trang, Vietnam, in 2016.