Two promising young Maldivian swimmers have etched their names into the nation’s sporting history by setting new national records at the prestigious World Aquatics Championship 2025, currently underway in Singapore. Representing the Maldives with determination and competitive spirit, Meral Ayn Latheef and Amna Thazkiya Mirsad (Thazkiya) delivered record-breaking performances in the long course category, a format recognized globally for its Olympic-standard 50-meter pools.
On the opening day of the tournament, 17-year-old Meral Ayn Latheef clocked an impressive 02:44.34 in the women’s 200-meter individual medley, surpassing her own previous national best of 02:45.93, which she set earlier this year at the Devon County Championship in the United Kingdom. Meral’s latest performance continues her trend of consistent improvement, having already secured a national record in a championship event last year before it was overtaken by her teammate Thazkiya at a competition in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, 14-year-old Thazkiya Mirsad stunned spectators in Singapore by rewriting the national record in the women’s 100-meter backstroke with a time of 1:13.49 during the heat event. Her achievement eclipses the 2023 record of 1:17.69, held by Hamna Ahmed, and represents a remarkable improvement of 4.2 seconds. Hamna’s record, in turn, had replaced Aishath Sausan’s 2022 record of 1:18.17, which broke the longstanding time of 1:18.58 set by Sausan at the 19th FINA World Championship. Thazkiya’s time now stands as the fastest ever recorded by a Maldivian female swimmer in the event, a full five seconds ahead of the nation’s previous bests a noteworthy achievement for a swimmer in her early teens.
In addition to Meral and Thazkiya, two other Maldivian athletes, Mohamed Aan Hussain and Mohamed Rihan Shiham, are also competing in the championship, contributing to the country’s growing presence on the international aquatics stage. Their participation underlines the Maldives’ commitment to developing competitive swimming as part of its broader strategy to elevate youth engagement in sports and represent the nation proudly in international arenas.
Held in Singapore, the World Aquatics Championship 2025 is one of the most prestigious events on the international swimming calendar, drawing elite athletes from around the globe. The competition provides an opportunity for swimmers to compete at the highest level, gain international experience, and achieve qualification standards for global tournaments including the Olympics.
For visitors and sports enthusiasts interested in exploring the Maldives beyond its turquoise lagoons and luxurious resorts, this achievement showcases the resilience, talent, and potential of Maldivian youth. The country continues to foster a growing sports culture, supported by national training programs and international exposure elements that are vital to building a generation of world-class athletes.
The record-breaking performances of Meral and Thazkiya not only reflect their individual dedication and skill but also serve as inspiration for young athletes across the Maldives. As the tournament continues in Singapore, all eyes are on these talented swimmers as they strive to bring further honor to their nation. Their success stands as a powerful reminder that the Maldives is not only a paradise for tourists but also a rising force in the world of international sports.
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