Rafi, Maisha named best swimmers as 35th National Swimming ends

Bangladesh Navy's Samiul Islam Rafi and Fatiha Mahtab Maisha emerged as the best male and female swimmers respectively as 35th National Swimming, Diving and Water Polo Competition came to a close on Saturday, with 20 new national records set in the swimming events over four days.

Rafi claimed the men's best swimmer award with seven gold medals, including four performances that established new national records. Maisha secured the women's honour with five gold and one silver medal, setting three new national records.

Maisha's selection, however, came despite Bangladesh Army's Jui Akter winning eight gold medals in the women's events. Maisha edged past Jui in the best swimmer race by setting two more national records than her Army counterpart, highlighting the importance of record-breaking performances in the selection.

In water polo, Bangladesh Army's Shafiqul Islam was named the best player.

The four-day competition, organised by the Bangladesh Swimming Federation with sponsorship from Max Group, concluded at the Syed Nazrul Islam National Swimming Complex in Mirpur.

On the final day, nine swimming events were held, with four producing new national records. A total of 20 national records were established in swimming during the competition.

Bangladesh Navy dominated the overall medal standings, finishing top with 34 gold, 24 silver and 15 bronze medals. Bangladesh Army finished second with 16 gold, 22 silver and 26 bronze medals, while Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) came third with five silver and six bronze medals. Nikli Swimming Club of Kishoreganj secured two silver medals, while Bangladesh Police collected three bronze medals.

The Navy received the overall team champions' trophy, with the Army taking the runners-up trophy. In water polo, Bangladesh Army were crowned champions, while Bangladesh Navy finished runners-up. Bangladesh Navy also won the diving title, with BKSP finishing second.

The awards ceremony also brought disappointment for swimmers who had hoped for financial rewards beyond the recognition of their performances. Unlike last year, when medal winners received cash prizes, this time only swimmers who established new national records were awarded Tk5,000 each. The decision drew criticism of the swimming federation, with the absence of cash rewards for medal winners seen as a setback for the athletes.

The closing and prize-giving ceremony began at 4:30pm, with Rear Admiral Mohammad Faizul Kabir, Commander of the Fleet of the Bangladesh Navy, attending as the chief guest and distributing prizes among the winners.

Engineer Golam Mohammad Alamgir, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Swimming Federation and chairman of Max Group, and Mohammad Abdul Kader Chowdhury, director (sports) of the National Sports Council, were present as special guests.

The ceremony was chaired by Bangladesh Swimming Federation general secretary Syed Aminul Haque (Dewan Sojol).