TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 10 APRIL 2026
The Maldivian edition of the international open-water swimming franchise, OCEANMAN, officially commenced in K. Maafushi, bringing together 532 swimmers from 40 countries and marking a new milestone for sports tourism in the Maldives.
The event has been inducted into the Maldives Book of Records for the largest international participation in a sporting event in the country. Of the total participants, 385 swimmers, accounting for 72.37 percent, are international athletes, while 147 are Maldivians. India represents the largest foreign delegation, with 54 swimmers taking part.
The official opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, who highlighted the significance of the event in advancing the Maldives’ positioning as a global sports destination. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister noted that promoting sports tourism remains a key policy priority, and that OCEANMAN Maldives contributes directly to this objective.
During the ceremony, the Visit Maldives Book of Records commemorative coin was presented to the local organisers, Swim Maldives, by the Minister, marking the event’s official recognition in the national record registry.
The competition features multiple race categories across varying distances, including the 10-kilometre endurance race, which is the longest competitive swimming event held in the Maldives to date. A total of 46 swimmers are competing in this category, alongside 143 participants in the 5-kilometre race and 181 swimmers in the 2-kilometre event. Additional categories include the OceanFins race, OceanKids programme, and team relay events, ensuring participation across different age groups and skill levels.
Organised by Swim Maldives under the OCEANMAN Global franchise, the event runs over three days and is officially endorsed by Visit Maldives. The competition continues through Saturday, positioning the Maldives as a venue for international sporting events and reinforcing its growing presence in the global sports tourism landscape.
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