Gujarat to host 11th Asian Aquatics Championship at Veer Savarkar Sports Complex

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — In a historic first for India, the vibrant city of Ahmedabad is set to host the 11th Asian Aquatics Championship, a premier continental event in aquatic sports, at the recently inaugurated Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Naranpura, starting September 28, 2025. This prestigious championship will run until October 11, drawing over 900 athletes from 29 countries to compete in swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo.

Organized by the Swimming Federation of India in association with the Sports Authority of Gujarat, under the aegis of Asia Aquatics, this championship marks a watershed moment for Indian sports. It not only elevates India’s presence in the aquatic world but also serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 Asian Games, placing Ahmedabad firmly on the map of international sporting destinations.

“This is a landmark moment for Indian sports and for Gujarat,” said Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat. “Hosting the Asian Aquatics Championship reflects our vision of Ahmedabad as a world-class sports hub, advancing India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games.”

The recently inaugurated Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, equipped with cutting-edge facilities, will offer athletes world-class infrastructure to perform at their peak. The event will also give Indian athletes a rare advantage — competing on home ground before a supportive audience.

Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, said, “This championship is a celebration of sporting excellence and India’s growing stature in global sports. It is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of aquatic athletes and to showcase Ahmedabad as a city capable of hosting mega international sporting events.”

For participating athletes, this championship will be an opportunity to compete at the highest level. It will also inspire talent development in aquatics and strengthen the sports ecosystem in India. “The Asian Aquatics Championship will raise the profile of aquatic sports in India,” said Pawan Singh, President of the Swimming Federation of India. “We expect to witness exceptional performances, and this event will set benchmarks for future competitions.”

Beyond the competition, the championship will boost tourism, foster cross-cultural sporting exchanges, and enhance Ahmedabad’s reputation as a sports-friendly city. The event aligns with Gujarat’s broader vision of positioning itself as a global destination for sporting excellence and strengthening its credentials for hosting the Olympics.