RRI.CO.ID, Waisai - The international sporting spotlight turned toward Southwest Papua as the AVC Beach Volleyball Tour Raja Ampat Open 2026 officially commenced at Waisai Torang Cinta (WTC) Beach in Waisai, Raja Ampat Regency. Running from April 6–9, 2026, the tournament represents a strategic milestone for the region, blending world-class athletics with the breathtaking natural backdrop of one of the world's premier marine destinations.

The event was inaugurated on Sunday, April 5, with a symbolic volleyball presentation to Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Head Referee Srinivasan Jayaraman by Governor of Southwest Papua Elisa Kambu, marking Raja Ampat's debut as a host for elite continental beach volleyball.

The 2026 tour features a highly competitive lineup, bringing together elite talent from across the Asia-Pacific region to the shores of Raja Ampat. The tournament structure is notably diverse, including athletes from nine participating nations: Indonesia, Australia, Japan, China, Thailand, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.

A total of 40 professional teams make up the field, consisting of both men’s and women’s categories competing for vital international ranking points. Beyond the matches, the event emphasizes cultural integration, as seen in the opening gala dinner and traditional Papuan performances that ensured international athletes and officials experienced the rich local heritage alongside the competition.

Governor Elisa Kambu emphasized that the tour is more than a series of matches; it is a vehicle for Southwest Papua to assert its readiness for global events.

"Raja Ampat is our collective pride. Through this event, we want to show that this region is ready to host various international activities," the Governor said, as quoted by Infopublik.id.

The choice of WTC Beach in Waisai as the venue highlights the region's capacity to provide high-quality infrastructure for sport tourism. Local officials, including Regent Orideko I. Burdam, noted that the tournament provides a significant opportunity to stimulate the local economy while introducing the province's tourism potential to a wider audience.

To ensure the success of the AVC Tour, the local administration has called upon the community to maintain a welcoming atmosphere, prioritizing security, cleanliness, and comfort for the visiting delegations. By successfully managing this high-profile event, Raja Ampat aims to solidify its position as a versatile destination capable of hosting world-class sporting competitions on the global calendar. ***