Navy swimmers win 18 medals, set six national records

Bangladesh Navy swimmers won 18 medals, including nine gold, four silver and five bronze, on the opening day of the 35th National Swimming, Diving and Water Polo Competition-2026 held here on Wednesday.

The four-day competition began at the Syed Nazrul Islam National Swimming Complex in Mirpur under the management of the Bangladesh Swimming Federation, sponsored by Max Group, said an ISPR press release tonight.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque inaugurated the competition, while Chief of Naval Staff and Bangladesh Swimming Federation President Admiral Khondkar Misbah Ul Azim attended as the special guest.

A total of 12 events, including 10 swimming and two diving events, were held on the opening day. National records were set in five swimming events and one diving event.

Around 800 athletes and officials from divisional and district sports associations, swimming clubs, Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), universities and various organisations, including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, are taking part in the competition.

On the occasion, the Bangladesh Swimming Federation awarded cash prizes to swimmers for their outstanding achievements in international competitions.

Bangladesh Navy swimmer Samiul Islam Rafi received recognition for winning two gold medals and a bronze at the 2026 Thailand Age Group Swimming Championships.

At the 80th World Long Distance Swimming Competition in Murshidabad, India, Faisal Ahmed won gold and Palash Chowdhury secured silver in the men's 19-kilometre event. Sonia Akter won silver in the women's 19-kilometre event.

In the men's 81-kilometre event, Palash Chowdhury bagged silver, while Nurul Islam clinched bronze. The federation presented cash awards to the swimmers in recognition of their achievements.

The Bangladesh Navy has been working to promote sports and develop skilled athletes capable of competing at national and international levels through regular training and disciplined preparation, the ISPR release added.