More than 40 young athletes from the New Lagoon Swimming Club have travelled to Thailand to represent the Maldives in the prestigious Asian Open Schools Invitational (AOSI) Short Course Swimming Championships.
The event, which kicks off this Saturday and runs through Sunday, is being held at the Aquatic Center of Assumption University in Bangkok. It is a junior-level international competition open to private clubs and swimming academies from across Asia.
This year, New Lagoon is the only club representing the Maldives at the championship. According to club officials, the 41 swimmers will be competing in over 450 events across various age and skill categories.
Some Maldivian swimmers from other academies participated in last year’s edition of the AOSI, but this marks a significant milestone for New Lagoon as they make their solo appearance on the international stage.
The competition will be held in a short course format, meaning races will take place in a 25-meter pool. This format is typically known for fast-paced races and tighter finishes.
The participation of New Lagoon in such a high-profile regional event highlights the growing interest and development of swimming in the Maldives, especially at the junior level. It also provides young swimmers with valuable exposure to international competition and the opportunity to gain experience beyond local meets.
The club expressed excitement about the opportunity and said they hope to return with strong performances that reflect the hard work and dedication of both the athletes and coaches.
This outing to Thailand not only aims to foster athletic growth but also serves as a step forward in placing Maldivian swimmers on the regional competitive map.
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