The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) announced today that the 2023 Bali World Beach Games has been cancelled.
ANOC advised in a statement the Local Organising Committee has withdrawn from its commitment to host the Games, citing delayed financial commitments from the Government. With the Games scheduled to take place in just a month’s time, ANOC advised there is not time to find an alternative host.
The Australian Olympic Committee was sending a team of four coastal rowers and 20 beach handballers to the Games, scheduled to commence on 5 August.
"Today's news is disappointing for the AOC, the two sports and most importantly for the 24 athletes from Coastal Rowing and Beach Handball that were preparing to represent Australia at the ANOC World Beach Games," AOC CEO Matt Carroll said.
"Our thoughts are with the athletes, sports, support staff and their friends and family who no doubt have been supporting the athletes in their preparation, all who I know will be disappointed at this outcome."
The Bali 2023 World Beach Games is the second iteration of the event, after the inaugural Games in Doha in 2019.