Following the ANOC World Beach Games, the iconic Indonesian island will also host the XXVII ANOC General Assembly on 13-15 August 2023.

The ANOC General Assembly in October 2021 approved Indonesia as host country of the ANOC World Beach Games 2023 and a ANOC Technical Group has since then work closely with the Indonesia Olympic Committee. After the success of the inaugural edition in Doha, Qatar, in 2019, the ANOC World Beach Games will once again be open to all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and will provide an opportunity to connect through exciting new sports, new stars, and a new generation of sports fans.

More than 1,200 athletes from 97 NOCs competed at Qatar 2019 and similar global participation will be expected next year in Bali. The Games will be a celebration of beach and water sports, and will include the ten disciplines of the Core Programme – Aquathlon, Beach Handball, Beach Soccer, Beach Tennis, Beach Volley 4x4, Beach Waterpolo, Beach Wrestling, Individual Kata, Expression Kiteboarding and Open Water Swimming 5km– as well as additional disciplines proposed by the Organising Committee, to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Since the launch of the UWW Beach Wrestling World Series in 2019, the style has seen tremendous growth and was announced a core sport for the 2023 and 2025 ANOC World Beach Games during the Tokyo Olympics. 

Official statements
UWW President and IOC Executive Board Member Nenad Lalovic
“Congratulations to Bali as host of the ANOC World Beach Games 2023. Beach Wrestling was an enormous success during the first edition of the Games in Doha 2019 and we very much look forward to continuing the success and development of this new wrestling style.”

Acting ANOC President Robin Mitchell
“We are delighted to confirm Bali as the host of the second edition of the ANOC World Beach Games. Bali has some of the most breath-taking beaches in the world, which will provide the ultimate backdrop for spectacular sporting competition in 2023. We are thankful to the Indonesian government and Indonesia Olympic Committee for their partnership and cooperation. We look forward to working with them over the next 15 months to deliver an unforgettable event.”

Indonesia Olympic Committee President Raja Sapta Oktohari
“We are proud to push and promote Indonesia on the global stage. In an historic time for the sporting revival of Indonesia, we are leveraging our investment in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games and ensuring a legacy of sustained sports development throughout the nation. It is with great pride that we invite our NOC family with our legendary hospitality, in the most beautiful of backdrops. Combing exciting new sports with the engagement of a new sporting fan base is at the heart of what the Indonesia Olympic Committee wishes to generate.

I would like to thank ANOC and its team in entrusting us with the second edition of the ANOC World Beach Games, as well as the XXVII ANOC General Assembly, which will see all 206 NOCs represented on the sunny shores of Bali. We look forward to welcoming the world to Indonesia.

ANOC Secretary Gunilla Lindberg
“Athletes, NOCs and International Federations have been eager to know where and when the next Games will take place and I have no doubt Bali will be a very popular choice. Part of what makes the ANOC World Beach Games so special is that it combines elite sport with the fun and lifestyle of beach culture. Working with our Indonesian partners and International Federations, we are excited to deliver a sustainable and cost-efficient celebration of world-class sport in harmony with one of the world’s most beautiful beach locations.”

Sustainability is embedded in the DNA of the ANOC World Beach Games; with sustainability and environmental protection incorporated into the Games concept, communications and community initiatives. The ANOC World Beach Games Bali 2023 will work to minimise its impact on the environment and leave a positive legacy on the local community. Of particular note, Bali successfully hosted the first ever Asian Beach Games in 2008 and has the necessary existing infrastructure that aligns it perfectly with ANOCs sustainability ethos.

ANOC is excited to build on the success of the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 which saw six days of fantastic competition across 13 exciting, youth-focused sports. Spain finished top of the medal table with 7 gold medals and 10 medals in total, while Brazil came second with 5 gold medals and 12 in total. Italy finished third with 4 gold medals and 6 in total. Overall, 40 NOCs won medals at the Games demonstrating the accessibility of beach sports and the breadth of quality around the world.