More than 200 Swimmers Prepare for Den Den 2025 Sea Swimming Championship in Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 24 (NationPress) The second iteration of the Den Den Sea Swimming Championship has received an incredible response, with over 200 swimmers from various parts of India preparing to compete at the Mangalore Surf Club Beach this Sunday.

This event will showcase races across five categories, ranging from 250 metres to 6 km, appealing to participants of diverse age ranges and skill levels. The championship is being organized by the Mangalore Surf Club.

The event’s distinctive allure is highlighted by the race around the sunken Den Den vessel, an iconic site since its sinking in 2007. This competition attracts both experienced athletes and newcomers, offering a unique chance for swimmers to engage in open-water racing amid the stunning and challenging conditions of Mangalore's coastline.

This year, an impressive count of 214 swimmers has registered, which is double the participants from the previous year, representing states such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa.

Competitors will race in age-based categories, with those aged 10-11 competing in the 500 metres race, while participants aged 12-14 will take on the 1.5 km event. The 15-17 age group can choose between the 1.5 km and 3 km distances, while adults (18+) can select from the 1.5 km, 3 km, or the newly added 6 km category. Each swimmer is restricted to one event category.

In a statement before the event, Chirag Shambu, President of the Mangalore Surf Club, expressed, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming interest in this year’s championship. With over 200 participants, we have doubled last year’s figures, showcasing the increasing enthusiasm for open-water sports in India.”

Rishabh Shetty, Contest Director for Den Den 2.0, remarked, “The rise in participation is a reflection of the event’s success and the dedication of the swimming community. Safety is our utmost priority, and with more than 20 lifeguards on-site, along with support from speedboats and surf-boats, we are completely prepared to ensure a safe racing environment for all.”

The event has received substantial backing from the Indian Coast Guard as Safety Partners. The championship also benefits from the support of the Open Water Swimmers Foundation and local fishing boats, which will act as safety resources during the event.

Both participants and spectators can look forward to an exhilarating competition and a celebration of water sports, while also raising awareness about sea safety and promoting Mangalore as a premier destination for open-water events.