The Maldives’ largest open water swimming competition, the Dhiraagu Malé Open, is set to return for its third edition this August, with organizers aiming to build on the growing popularity of the sport across the country.
Organized by Swim Maldives in partnership with Dhiraagu, this year’s competition will take place at Rasfannu Beach on August 21 and 22.
The annual event seeks to promote open water swimming in the Maldives while encouraging healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the country’s marine environment.
Registration for the competition is now open, with swimmers able to sign up for the 1-kilometre, 500-metre and 250-metre race categories. Organizers have also introduced a new 500-metre team relay event for this year’s competition.
Dhiraagu’s Director of Brand and Marketing Communications, Mirshan Hassan, said the company is pleased to support the return of the competition for a third consecutive year.
He noted that supporting inclusive sporting events remains a key priority for the company, as such initiatives provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate in sports, promote healthy living and strengthen social connections within communities.
Mirshan also emphasized the importance of swimming as an essential life skill in a country like the Maldives, given its unique geography and close connection to the ocean.
Meanwhile, Swim Maldives President Hussain Shameem said open water swimming has experienced rapid growth in the Maldives in recent years.
According to Shameem, the success of last year’s Dhiraagu Malé Open, together with the inaugural Oceanman Maldives event, has laid a strong foundation for further developing the sport in the country.
He added that organizers are looking forward to welcoming both local and international swimmers this year, with a long-term vision of establishing the competition as a major fixture on the international swimming calendar.
“Our aim is to make the Dhiraagu Malé Open one of the Maldives’ premier sporting events and an unmissable competition for swimmers from around the world,” he said.
The previous edition of the event attracted 350 participants from across the Maldives, with more than 340 swimmers successfully completing their races. Participants ranged in age from five to 65 years, highlighting the event’s inclusive nature.
Open water swimming has steadily gained popularity in the Maldives in recent years, driven by increasing public interest in endurance sports and the country’s natural suitability for aquatic activities.
Dhiraagu has continued to support a range of sporting initiatives nationwide as part of its broader efforts to promote active lifestyles and strengthen community engagement.
