5th National Finswimming Championships 2025 | Mangaluru Hosts Record Athlete Turnout

Mangaluru, Karnataka — The 5th National Finswimming Championships kicked off today at the Mangaluru Indoor Swimming Complex, drawing record participation from athletes across the country. Finswimming, a high-speed underwater sport using monofins and snorkels, continues to grow in popularity, and this edition marks a significant milestone in India’s aquatic sports calendar.

The event features diverse categories, including junior, senior, and masters divisions, with competitions in both surface and underwater disciplines. Over 300 participants representing clubs and state associations from across India are set to compete over the next three days.

Event Highlights

• Opening Ceremony: The championship was inaugurated by Ramesh Kumar, President of the Indian Underwater Sports Association (IUSA), who emphasized the importance of promoting aquatic sports at the grassroots level.

• Participation Records: Compared to the previous edition, this year sees a 40% increase in athlete registration, indicating growing awareness and engagement in finswimming.

• Competition Categories: Events include 50 m, 100 m, and 200 m surface races; 100 m and 400 m apnea races; and relay events, catering to different age groups and skill levels.

Athletes expressed enthusiasm over the high competitive standards and improved facilities. “The championships provide a great platform for Indian finswimmers to showcase their talent and prepare for international events,” said Anjali Mehra, a senior category participant from Delhi.

Coaches also highlighted that structured training programs and better exposure have contributed to improved performances, with many athletes targeting the upcoming Asian and World Finswimming Championships.

Promoting Finswimming in India

Organizers hope the event will further popularize finswimming, inspire young swimmers to take up the sport, and strengthen India’s representation in international aquatic competitions. Karnataka, with its growing infrastructure for aquatic sports, has become a key hub for national-level events, contributing to the sport’s expansion.

The championship is expected to conclude on December 21, followed by a medal ceremony celebrating the top performers across all categories.