The Ministry of Sports has taken all necessary steps to hold the first South Asian Beach Games Festival in Hambantota from October 8th to 17th as all South Asian countries have given their consent to host the inaugural South Asian Beach Games in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka was selected the host country over Bangladesh and the Maldives by the South Asian National Olympic Committees on a unanimous decision.

The Authorities have completed the site inspections and have already identified a 16-acre in Gonnoruwa in the District of Hambantota as the main location.

There will be 12 beach sports events namely basketball, football, handball, kabaddi, netball, volleyball, body-building, equestrian, life-saving, wind-surfing and tritholan lined up for this mega festival.

Eight sports locations for badminton, kabaddi, and netball have been specially constructed. Arugam Bay, the world-renowned surfing beach will add glamour to the festival with its spectacular locations for swimming, sailing and surfing.

Nearly 1,000 athletes from eight countries are expected to participate in the 2011 South Asian Beach Games. The highest participation is expected from India.