Kuda Giri Island has hosted the National Open Water Swimming Competition for the fourth time, continuing its role as a venue for one of the Maldives’ national swimming events.
The 17th edition, held in 2026, featured national and junior categories, open-water swim challenges and a mixed relay.
The competition brought together swimmers across different age and competition categories, with national titles awarded in the 5km and 3km events. The programme also included 3km Masters and 1km Open swim challenges, alongside a 4km mixed relay.
Years ago, K. Dhiffushi also hosted the competition, reflecting the event’s history of being staged beyond the capital.
In the 5km national category, Shaym Hussain Ibrahim claimed the men’s national championship, followed by Yoosuf Ziyaan Zahid as runner-up and Ahmed Manhal Azim in third place. In the women’s event, Alya Ashraf secured the national title, while Lyba Hassan Manik finished as runner-up.
The 3km national junior category saw Ibrahim Yuaan Shameem crowned boys’ champion. Mikael Lael Abdul Aleem took second place, with Ismail Zivan Muhammadh finishing third. In the girls’ category, Mariyam Ayra Shirneel won the junior title, followed by Aminath Shiyum Shiham and Aishath Zoha Abdulla Naseem in second and third places, respectively.
In the 3km Swim Challenge Masters, Mohamed Amir finished first, ahead of Ahmed Athif in second and Hussain Shameem in third.
The 1km Swim Challenge Open men’s category was won by Mohamed Min’aam Abdul Muhaimin, with Hoodh Mamdhooh taking second place and Mohamed Azan Ismail finishing third. In the women’s category, Hawwa Ain Hassan Fayaz secured first place, followed by Mariyam Kinza Ahmed and Aishath Aishka Sameer.
The 4km mixed relay title went to Tide Breakers of the Maldives Lifeguard Association. Team A of Club Boduriya finished second, while Boava Squad of the Maldives Lifeguard Association claimed third place.
The 17th National Open Water Swimming Competition showcased performances across several categories, while Kuda Giri Island’s fourth time hosting the event marked another chapter in the competition’s history.
