Dhiraagu Malé Open 2026 Celebrates Record Field of Swimming Champions

Dhiraagu Malé Open 2026 celebrated this year’s open water swimming champions at a dedicated awards ceremony, marking the conclusion of the largest open water swimming event ever staged in the Maldivian capital.

Organised by Swim Maldives, the tournament brought together more than 420 competitors aged between six and 79, demonstrating significant growth from the 350 participants recorded in the previous edition. The event aims to advance open water swimming across the region, broaden participation, and foster awareness regarding the conservation of the Maldives’ marine environment.

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Swimmers contested events across 1km, 500m, and 250m distance categories. Organisers also introduced a 500m Team Relay for the first time, enabling families, friends, and local swimming groups to compete collectively.

Ayesha Zayah Hussain secured the Top Female Athlete award, alongside a first-place finish in the 500m female category. Ibrahim Yuaan Shameem claimed the title of Top Male Athlete after winning first place in both the 1km and 500m male races. The Maldives Lifeguard Association (MLA) took home the Top Swimming Club award.

In the 1km female race, Meral Ayn Latheef took first place, followed by Alya Ashraf in second and Aishath Aleena Shahid in third. Yoosuf Ziyaan Zahid and Izyan Nazim secured second and third places respectively behind Shameem in the 1km male event.

In the 500m female division, Fathimah Layya’h Shahid finished second behind Hussain, with Aishath Aishka Sameer completing the podium in third. Mohamed Aran Shameem and Nouman Mohamed Naseef earned second and third positions behind Shameem in the 500m male race.

Event sponsor Dhiraagu reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community sports initiatives and promoting active, healthy lifestyles across the nation.