Singapore Hosts 22nd World Aquatics Championships, A Southeast Asian First

Singapore is set to make history as the first Southeast Asian nation to host the 22nd World Aquatics Championships, commencing today and running through August 3, 2025. This prestigious event will bring together over 2,500 athletes from 210 national federations, competing across six disciplines: swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, open water swimming, and high diving.

Originally slated to be held in Kazan, Russia, the championships were relocated to Singapore in February 2023 due to geopolitical developments. World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam expressed confidence in Singapore's ability to deliver a world-class event, citing the nation's proven experience in hosting high-quality sporting events and its comprehensive approach to aquatic sports.

The competitions will be held across several iconic venues in Singapore:

• Singapore Sports Hub: A temporary facility with a capacity of approximately 4,800 seats has been constructed at Car Park G to host swimming and artistic swimming events. This venue includes two pools, spectator stands, and a fan zone featuring interactive activities, merchandise areas, sponsor booths, and food and beverage stalls.

• OCBC Aquatic Centre: Located within the Singapore Sports Hub, this venue will host water polo and diving competitions.

• Sentosa Island: Palawan Beach will serve as the venue for open water swimming events, while Palawan Green will host high diving competitions.

The event will span 24 days, with the following schedule:

• Water Polo: July 11–24, 2025

• Open Water Swimming: July 15–20, 2025

• Artistic Swimming: July 18–25, 2025

• High Diving: July 24–27, 2025

• Diving: July 26–August 3, 2025

• Swimming: July 27–August 3, 2025

Hosting the World Aquatics Championships is expected to have significant economic and social impacts on Singapore. The event is anticipated to attract approximately 40,000 international visitors, including athletes, officials, media personnel, and spectators. This influx is projected to generate around $60 million in incremental tourism receipts. Additionally, the championships aim to inspire local athletes and encourage broader participation in aquatic sports, with up to 350,000 Singaporeans expected to engage in various community activities organized alongside the main event.

World Aquatics has unveiled a sustainability strategy framework, with the Singapore 2025 Championships serving as a launchpad for these initiatives. Medals will be crafted from locally sourced recycled aluminum, with each medal incorporating material from approximately 20 recycled cans. Efforts will also be made to promote sustainable transportation options for athletes, officials, and spectators to reduce the event's carbon footprint.

World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam has expressed confidence in Singapore's ability to deliver a world-class event, citing the nation's proven experience in hosting high-quality sporting events and its comprehensive approach to aquatic sports.

This event marks the first time the World Aquatics Championships will be held in Southeast Asia, highlighting Singapore's growing prominence in the global sporting arena. The country's previous experience includes hosting the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010 and the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in 2015.

As the championships unfold, the global aquatics community will be watching closely to witness the performances of elite athletes and the successful execution of this landmark event in Singapore.