The first South Asian Beach Games were inaugurated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on October 8, in Hambantota.

The first beach games to be held in the South Asian region, this is attended by more than 400 athletes representing Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

It features a host of games including beach football, volleyball, netball, kabaddi, swimming, canoeing, and bodybuilding. The Games will continue till October 14.

The welcome note was made by President of the National Olympic Committee Hemasiri Fernando. Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage also addressed the gathering.