Maldives expands sports tourism with 2026 Oceanman race
Global open-water swimming franchise partners with Swim Maldives to launch nation’s largest event ahead of 2026 Ocean Nation campaign
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives is set to host its largest open-water swimming competition as the global Oceanman franchise announces its debut event in the country, signalling a growing push by the island nation to strengthen sports tourism and attract international athletes.
The race, scheduled for April 2026 on K. Maafushi, is expected to bring together hundreds of swimmers from across the region and beyond.
The event is being organized in partnership with Swim Maldives, which said the race will follow the same technical standards and safety requirements used in Oceanman competitions worldwide.
Oceanman is the world’s first major open-water swimming franchise, founded a decade ago and now hosting 38 races across 26 countries every year.
Registration for the Maldives edition opened in October, drawing strong interest from both local and foreign swimmers. Organizers say spots remain available for athletes interested in competing across multiple categories, ranging from long-distance to junior-level events.
The Oceanman Maldives race will feature its full international lineup, including the 10km Oceanman, 5km Half Oceanman, 2km Sprint and OceanFins challenges, as well as the OCEANKIDS and OCEANTEAMS categories.
Age groups will span from under-9 children to athletes over 70, making it one of the widest-ranging competitive swimming events ever hosted in the Maldives.
Swim Maldives said the top three finishers overall — and the top three in each age category — will receive medals and trophies. The top 10 swimmers in every category will earn qualification slots for the Oceanman World Championships, an elite global competition open only to selected qualifiers.
The event has received official endorsement from Visit Maldives, which highlighted its alignment with the country’s upcoming 2026 “Ocean Nation” tourism theme.
Sports authorities have also registered the competition under the Maldives Sports Act, positioning it as a formally recognised national event.
Oceanman Headquarters said the Maldives offers ideal conditions for international open-water competitions, citing its strategic location, established tourism industry and vibrant sports community.
The franchise expressed confidence that the collaboration with Maldivian authorities will elevate the country’s visibility in global sports tourism and attract a new segment of adventure and endurance travellers.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
