India is set to make history by hosting the Asian Swimming Championships for the first time, with the prestigious event scheduled to take place at the New Naranpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad from October 1 to 15, 2025.
The announcement, made by the Swimming Federation of India (SFI), confirms that the event has received in-principle approval from the Gujarat government and Asia Aquatics, marking a significant milestone for Indian swimming and aquatic sports.
A Landmark Event for Indian Swimming
The Asian Swimming Championships is one of the premier competitions on the Asia Aquatics calendar, featuring top swimmers, divers, water polo teams, and artistic swimmers from across the continent. While the competition is officially referred to as the Asian Swimming Championships, it includes four disciplines:
• Swimming
• Diving
• Water Polo
• Artistic Swimming
This edition will be the 11th edition of the event and will be held for the first time in nine years, making it a long-awaited return for Asia’s top aquatic athletes.
Why Hosting the Championships is a Big Deal for India?
India’s hosting of the Asian Swimming Championships signals a major step forward in its sporting ambitions, especially as the country eyes the possibility of bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad.
The Naranpura Sports Complex, which is expected to be completed by April 2025, will serve as a world-class venue for the event.
While India is not expected to win a medal at the championships, the opportunity to host such a prestigious competition will provide immense exposure to Indian swimmers and aquatic athletes, allowing them to compete on home soil against some of the world’s best.
“We have received the in-principle approval for the event from the Gujarat Government and the Asian Federation (Asia Aquatics),” said Monal Choksi, a key official from SFI.
Will India Compete Against Asia’s Best?
One of the biggest questions ahead of the championships is whether top Asian countries like China, Japan, and South Korea will send their first-choice squads or field development teams. These countries dominate Asian aquatics, particularly in swimming and diving, and their participation level will influence India’s chances of making an impact.
India has never won a medal at the Asian Swimming Championships, and while expectations for a podium finish remain low, hosting the event could serve as a turning point for the sport’s growth in the country.
The Naranpura Sports Complex – A World-Class Venue
The New Naranpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad is being built to international standards, with a focus on developing a state-of-the-art aquatics center. Once completed, it is expected to be one of the best swimming and diving facilities in India, suitable for hosting major international competitions.
With the construction set to finish in April 2025, the venue will have just a few months before welcoming Asia’s best aquatic athletes in October.
A Boost for Indian Aquatics and Future Olympic Ambitions
Hosting the Asian Swimming Championships is part of India’s broader vision to strengthen its position in global sports. In recent years, India has successfully hosted several international events, including the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The Asian Championships could serve as a test run for India’s potential bid for the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad being considered as the leading candidate city.
Additionally, this event could provide the necessary push for improved infrastructure, funding, and grassroots development in swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming, which remain underdeveloped compared to other sports in India.
Final Thoughts: A Step in the Right Direction
The 11th Asian Swimming Championships 2025 will be a landmark event for Indian aquatics, offering a rare chance for Indian swimmers to compete on home soil against the best in Asia. While India may not secure a medal, the long-term impact of hosting such a prestigious event could be transformative.
With India seriously considering a bid for the 2036 Olympics, the successful organization of the Asian Swimming Championships could further strengthen its case as a capable host nation. Whether or not India can make a splash on the podium, one thing is certain—the country is diving headfirst into the future of international aquatics.
