The fifth Asian Beach Games took place in Danang, Vietnam in 2016.

Originally Danang was due to share hosting duties with the town of Nha Trang, but the decision was made to host all events in Danang to save on costs.

Competition was held from September 24 to October 3, with 45 nations sending athletes to compete in the Games.

Athletes competed in aquatics, athletics, basketball, football, handball, rowing and wrestling, as well as non-Olympic sports such as bodybuilding, ju-jitsu, kabaddi, kurash, muay thai, pencak silat, petanque, sambo, sepaktakraw, shuttle cock, vovinam and woodball.

The logo was designed to mimic waves and sand in the shape of young and dynamic athletes performing sport, with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) symbol inside.

All parts of the logo rise up to form a large "V" shape, signifying Vietnam, victory and the number five in Roman numerals.

The mascot was a swiftlet, a distinct characteristic of the coastal central south of Vietnam which is famous for birds' nests - a valuable product in general and a particular speciality of Khánh Hòa province.

It had a V-shaped tail and was holding a Torch which represented solidarity, peace and vitality, with the OCA sun and the traditional waves on the outfit symbolising the Asian Beach Games.

The fifth Asian Beach Games took place in Danang, Vietnam in 2016 ©OCA
The fifth Asian Beach Games took place in Danang, Vietnam in 2016 ©OCA

Venues for Danang 2016

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games were held at the 28,000-capacity Chi Lăng Stadium.

Competition during the Games was spread across three venue clusters, situated on Danang’s My Khe beach.

One of the hopes was that by staging the events in temporary venues on the beach, Vietnam was able to display both their beautiful coastlines and exotic locations to the world.

Number of athletes: 2,197

Number of countries participating: 45

Number of sports/disciplines: 22

Number of events: 172

Legacy: The reputation of Vietnam was enhanced by their successful staging of the Games, in terms of sports excellence, tourism and culture and traditions. It is claimed this legacy will last through generations.

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games were held at the 28,000-capacity Chi Lăng Stadium ©OCA
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games were held at the 28,000-capacity Chi Lăng Stadium ©OCA

Back to Games in Asia Home