On February 11, the first batch of over 1,500 accreditation cards for the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 (the Games) was packaged at the Accreditation Centre and shipped, marking the official beginning of large-scale card distribution.

On February 11, the first batch of over 1,500 accreditation cards for the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 (the Games) was packaged at the  Accreditation Centre and shipped. (Photo: Lin Hongyu)

The accreditation card, , issued by the Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games Organising Committee (SABGOC) with the approval of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), functions as the official identification credential for the Games, allowing cardholders to access designated venues and operational areas during the Games to perform their duties and enjoy corresponding privileges. Between 22 March and 20 May 2026, foreign participants may enter and leave the Chinese mainland multiple times by presenting the accreditation card along with a valid personal identification document, without needing to apply separately for a Chinese visa.

On February 11, the first batch of over 1,500 accreditation cards for the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 (the Games) was packaged at the  Accreditation Centre and shipped. (Photo: Lin Hongyu)

According to Feng Hengwu, the Executive Deputy Director of the Security Department of the Executive Committee and the Political Commissar of the Special Police Corps of the Sanya Public Security Bureau, all participants in the Games, including athletes, team officials, technical officials, media representatives, sponsors, staff, and volunteers, are required to carry an accreditation card. The initial issuance of over 1,500 cards will be distributed to 13 Asian countries and regions, including Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. In total, it is anticipated that more than 10,000 cards will be issued.

The Organising Committee noted that, in accordance with the Games' “stylish, green, technology-oriented, and dynamic” philosophy, the accreditation card design adheres to OCA standards for international event credentials while reflecting the open nature of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) and the unique local culture of Sanya. The primary colour—sky blue—derives from the official visual identity of the Games and is complemented by coconut green, beach yellow, and sunshine orange. Design elements evoke the island setting and feature iconic symbols of Sanya, such as Tianya Haijiao and coconut palms.

Li Ying, Director of the Registration and Credentialing Division of the Security Department of the Executive Committee and Head of the Exit-Entry Administration Corps of the Sanya Public Security Bureau, stated that multiple layers of anti-counterfeiting technologies have been implemented. A comprehensive credential management system, integrating personnel safeguards, technical protections, and intelligent systems, has been established to ensure accurate “one person, one card” identity verification and controlled access, providing robust security support for the safe and seamless operation of the Games.

On February 11, the first batch of over 1,500 accreditation cards for the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 (the Games) was packaged at the  Accreditation Centre and shipped. (Photo: Lin Hongyu)

On February 11, the first batch of over 1,500 accreditation cards for the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 (the Games) was packaged at the  Accreditation Centre and shipped. (Photo: Lin Hongyu)

At the physical level, the cards are produced using security paper embedded with coloured fibre watermarks. The laminated layer features transmissive optical variable image technology, creating intricate line patterns that include the emblem, mascot, and text, with visual effects that shift depending on the viewing angle for easy visual inspection. At the electronic level, each card contains an embedded chip with a globally unique 16-digit hybrid ID code. Coupled with facial recognition assistance and tag-reading functions, the system allows for precise digital identification and secure person-to-credential matching.

To ensure the secure and efficient dispatch of accreditation cards, the Executive Committee has refined mailing procedures for shipments to 45 Asian countries and regions through on-site staffing, end-to-end management, and dedicated international delivery support. Dedicated coordinators, special identification labels, and priority “green channels” has been introduced to facilitate the smooth and secure dispatch of credentials.