SANYA, China, April 23 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) Honorary President for Life Thomas Bach said on Thursday that athletes at the 6th Asian Beach Games can fully enjoy the togetherness of Asia during what he described as "very difficult moments for Asia and the world."
The Games are being held from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, a coastal city in south China's Hainan Province.
Bach made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua after watching the men's beach volleyball match between China and Sri Lanka at the Games.
"They can now be here and giving their best. And at the same time, enjoying the sport and enjoying the hospitality of Hainan and enjoying the togetherness of all Asia in these very difficult moments for Asia and the world," Bach said.
The former IOC chief said he had also visited other competitions earlier on Thursday.
"You can really feel the vibe everywhere," Bach said. "And the most important is you can feel the vibe among the athletes, and they're all happy, excited, because of the great hospitality and the excellent organization."
Bach also attended the opening ceremony on Wednesday evening, which he described as a strong showcase for Hainan and China, combining traditional culture with state-of-the-art technology.
He praised the Asian Beach Games as an excellent opportunity to promote the Olympic spirit and youth sports, particularly for younger generations and for Olympic Committees seeking greater access to the Olympic Movement.
"This is why I think I'm excited about this initiative of the Olympic Committees of Asia by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and I think they are rewarded here by a great success," he added.
Bach also said Hainan recognizes the significant contribution of sport and the sports industry to the economy.
"Therefore, Hainan, I think, has the intention to attract even more international sports events," Bach said. ■
