Over 200 Swimmers Gear Up for Den Den 2025 Sea Swimming Championship in Mangalore

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Mangalore, Jan 24: The second edition of the Den Den Sea Swimming Championship is set to make waves as over 200 swimmers from across India gather at the Mangalore Surf Club Beach this Sunday (January 26).

Organised by the Mangalore Surf Club, the event promises to be a thrilling showcase of open-water swimming, featuring five categories ranging from 250 meters to 6 kilometres.

At the heart of the event lies its unique charm: the race around the sunken Den Den vessel, an iconic landmark that has captivated locals and visitors alike since it sank in 2007. The competition offers participants a rare chance to experience the challenging yet picturesque waters of Mangalore's coastline.

This year's edition has seen a significant rise in participation, with 214 swimmers from states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa. This is double last year's championship turnout, underlining the growing popularity of open-water swimming in India. The event caters to various age groups, with categories designed to suit different skill levels:

• Ages 10-11: 500 meters
• Ages 12-14: 1.5 kilometers
• Ages 15-17: 1.5 kilometres or 3 kilometres
• Ages 18 and above: 1.5 kilometres, 3 kilometres, or the newly introduced 6-kilometre race

Participants are allowed to compete in one category per event, ensuring focused and competitive races.

Chirag Shambu, President of the Mangalore Surf Club, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled by the tremendous response to this year's championship. Doubling the number of participants compared to last year is a testament to the growing interest in open-water sports.

"Our goal is not only to promote water safety but also to establish Mangalore as a premier destination for such events. We extend our gratitude to the Indian Coast Guard and our corporate partners for their continued support."

Safety remains a priority, with Contest Director Rishabh Shetty emphasizing the measures in place: "With over 20 lifeguards, along with speedboats and surf-boats on standby, we are fully prepared to ensure a secure environment for all participants. The increase in participation motivates us to continue raising the bar for this event."

The championship has received extensive support from the Indian Coast Guard as Safety Partners. Local businesses, including Hollywood Lounge, KMC Hospital, We One Aquatic Centre, and O'cean Beverages, are serving as hospitality, medical, officiating, and hydration partners, respectively. The Open Water Swimmers Foundation and local fishing boats are also playing pivotal roles in ensuring the event's success.

As the Den Den 2025 Sea Swimming Championship approaches, both participants and spectators eagerly anticipate an electrifying day of competition. Beyond the races, the event highlights the importance of sea safety and positions Mangalore as a hub for open-water sports in India.