3x3 Basketball, AirBadminton, Rowing Beach Sprint and Surfing (longboard and shortboard) have been added to the exciting and dynamic Bali 2023 core programme of Open Water Swimming 5km & Beach Water Polo, Beach Soccer, Beach Handball, Individual Kata, Kite Foil, Beach Tennis, Aquathlon, Beach Volleyball 4×4 and Beach Wrestling.
The four new sports were selected by ANOC and the NOC Indonesia based on the core principles that the programme should comprise sports that can be delivered sustainably and in line with the Games’ commitment to youth and inclusion. The Games is also an opportunity to showcase different and modern disciplines and all four additional sports have proven very popular with athletes and fans alike.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s (5 August 2022) one year to go, Acting ANOC President Robin Mitchell said:
“We cannot wait to once again have the privilege of watching the world’s best athletes compete in a celebration of elite beach and water sports. In Bali we have excellent partners who we have no doubt will deliver an unforgettable event next year. We are grateful to NOC Indonesia, the Indonesian Government and Province of Bali for their ongoing commitment and support. Bali is known all around the world for its beaches and will provide the ultimate environment for our elite athletes; and stunning backdrops for our global audience.”
NOC Indonesia President Raja Sapta Oktohari added:
“NOC Indonesia continues to work hard in ensuring Bali 2023 will be a success. We still have much to do, and therefore we continue to strengthen the intensive coordination with local and central government, as well as with ANOC.
“We are excited to welcome more than 1,500-strong athletes from more than 100 countries, as well as NOC officials, and sports executives. Not only will they enjoy the competition with Bali’s scenic beaches as the backdrop, but they will also discover a new experience through our cultural wealth and the warm hospitality shown by the people of the Island of the Gods.”
ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg said:
“With one year to go the ANOC World Beach Games Bali 2023, we are delighted to be able to confirm the full sports programme and give our NOCs and athletes all around the world certainty on what to plan for next year. We are very excited by our programme which combines modern and established disciplines and will engage new athletes and a new generation of fans. We have no doubt that Bali will stage an unforgettable Games which showcases the best of thrilling beach and water sports and their incredible athletes.”
For 3x3 basketball it will be a return to the Games having starred at the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 while AirBadminton, World Rowing Beach Sprint and Surfing will all be making their Games debuts.
At Bali 2023 3x3 basketball will feature 64 male and 64 female athletes with 16 teams per gender.
AirBadminton was launched by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in 2019 to create opportunities for people of all ages and ability to play badminton on hard, grass and sand surfaces in parks, gardens, streets, playgrounds, and beaches around the world. The AirBadminton athlete quota at Bali 2023 will be 72 athletes (36 men and 36 women).
For Rowing, the first Beach Sprint Finals took place in 2019 and was introduced to provide an exciting new format which would grow the sport and reach new audiences. The quota for Rowing Beach Sprint at Bali 2023 is 80 athletes (40 men and 40 women) and the Qualification System is currently being agreed between ANOC and World Rowing.
Shortboard will feature at Bali 2023 on the back of its successful debut at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. A total of 32 men and 32 women will compete in the event and will be joined by 16 men and 16 women in longboard.
