Flag bearers shine as aquathlon opens Kuwait campaign at Asian Beach Games

Hessa Al-Failakawi and Nasser Bourjeeb carry the national flag during the opening ceremony of the Asian Beach Games in China.

SANYA, China, April 22: The sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games officially got underway in Sanya, Hainan Province, China, with athletes from 45 countries across Asia taking part.

Kuwait’s delegation marked a proud moment at the opening ceremony after teqball star Hessa Al-Failakawi and climber Nasser Bourjeeb were chosen to carry the national flag. The selection highlights the growing status of modern and emerging sports in Kuwait.

Both athletes expressed pride in the honour, saying raising Kuwait’s flag on the international stage provides a strong boost for the team as they aim for competitive performances and top finishes.

Kuwait’s competition schedule begins with Abdulaziz Al-Huwaidi and Mohammed Bu Khalaf taking part in the aquathlon event — a demanding race combining swimming and running — set for 3:00 a.m. The discipline is considered one of the toughest beach events due to its physical intensity and the need to adapt to weather and sea conditions.

Meanwhile, young sailors Abdulaziz Al-Mansour and Zakaria Bu Hamed will begin their campaign in the Optimist class at 8:00 a.m. The junior sailing category is expected to feature strong competition from Asia’s emerging talents and serves as a key development platform before athletes progress to higher levels.