SANYA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Cebu City in the Philippines will host the 2028 Asian Beach Games, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) confirmed on Monday.

POC President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino with Filipino athletes and sports officials after signing the contract to host the Asian Beach Games 2028 in Cebu. Also present is OCA President His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani. (Photo: Philippine Olympic Committee)

OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino attended a ceremony in Sanya to sign the host city agreement.

Sheikh Joaan thanked the Philippine government and the city of Cebu, and expressed hope for a smooth flag handover at the closing ceremony of the ongoing Sanya Games.

Tolentino invited OCA members to Cebu, saying he looked forward to welcoming them after the Sanya Games.

He noted that the Philippines last hosted a continental multi-sport event at the 1954 Asian Games in Manila, and said the country is looking forward to staging the Beach Games.

Tolentino added that the Philippines aims to showcase its hospitality and goodwill as host, while highlighting the appeal of Cebu City.