The Maldivian edition of the world-renowned open water swimming franchise, "Oceanman Global," titled "Oceanman Maldives," officially commenced in Maafushi today.
This prestigious international tournament was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Sports, Abdulla Rafiu.
The Minister stated that promoting sports tourism as a part of sports development is a government policy. Rafiu said that the Oceanman Maldives event will achieve that objective.
"Therefore, I want to thank Oceanman Maldives for becoming a partner in this dream we are seeing and for being a part of such an important activity held in the history of Maldives. This is the first time such a large open water swimming tournament, recognized by the whole world, is being held in the Maldives," Minister Rafiu said in his speech delivered in English.
Oceanman Maldives is an activity organized by the local Maldivian club "Swim Maldives."
The competitive races of the tournament will begin tomorrow. The races will continue until Saturday.
Swim Maldives Director Hussain Shameem stated that satisfactory arrangements would be provided for the athletes competing in Oceanman through this event.
A total of 532 swimmers will participate in this tournament. 72.37 percent of the participants are foreign swimmers. That is 385 participants. The remaining 147 swimmers are Maldivians.
Apart from the Maldives, the highest number of swimmers is participating from India, with 54 swimmers.
The 10-kilometer race included in Oceanman Maldives is the longest swimming race included in a competitive tournament held in the Maldives to date. A total of 46 swimmers will participate in that race.
143 swimmers will compete in the five-kilometer race, and 181 swimmers will compete in the two-kilometer race. Swim Maldives also stated that 20 swimmers will compete in the two-kilometer fins category.
73 swimmers are participating in "Ocean Kids," which is specialized for children, and 69 swimmers from 23 teams are participating in the team events.
According to Swim Maldives, this is a very large opportunity to promote sports tourism in the Maldives. It is estimated that more than 1,300 people, including athletes and their families, will visit Maafushi in connection with this tournament.
The sponsors of this activity are MIB and Solid Pro Solutions. The hydration partner is BonAqua. The risk partner is Allied Insurance. The official hotel partners are Arena Hotel and Kaani Hotel. The transport partner is iCom Tours Maafushi. The digital partner is Dhiraagu. The media partner is Mihaaru.
Visit Maldives has endorsed this tournament.
