Host city Hambantota, Sri Lanka Athletes participating 359 Opening ceremony 8 October | Nations participating 8 Events 26 in 10 Sports | |
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Motto "Our sun to shine on you" | ||
The 1st South Asian Beach Games was held in Hambantota, Sri Lanka between 8 and 14 October 2011. The opening ceremony was held at the Hambantota Beach Stadium, located in Hambantota district. 359 athletes from eight South Asian nations were competed.
Contents
Host city selection
Sri Lankan bid for Hambantota was selected over bids of Bangladesh and the Maldives by the South Asian National Olympic Committees in a unanimous decision.
Logo and the Mascot
The logo was launched on 20 January 2011 in Galle. The Mascot represents a character called "Salu Paaliya" which is one of the 12 Palis. Palis are characters which represents various dance forms. It is believed that the "Salu Paaliya" has comical actions and the power to heal which is ideal for the Beach Games as the Mascot.
Sports
Marathon swimming and sailing were to be contested in Arugam Bay while the remaining sports were contested in Hambantota. However later organizers decided to move the events closer locations, Tangalle and Tissamaharama. 26 events in 10 sports were held. Triathlon and beach bodybuilding were dropped from the program due to a lack of participants.