Mangaluru Gears Up for Prestigious International Open-Sea Swimming Championship
The coastal city of Mangaluru is poised to host the highly anticipated 3rd edition of Den Den Swim, an international open-sea swimming championship that promises to be a spectacular display of endurance and aquatic prowess. Organized by the Mangalore Surf Club, this marquee event will unfold at the scenic Tannirbhavi Beach on Monday, with the flag-off scheduled for 6.30 am.
Building a Legacy of Endurance and Excellence
In a press briefing held on Saturday, Padmanabha Nayak Sujir, President of the Mangalore Surf Club, highlighted the remarkable journey of Den Den Swim. "Building on two successful editions, Den Den Swim has rapidly emerged as a premier endurance event on India's west coast," he stated. The championship has successfully attracted national-level athletes and a growing contingent of international swimmers, thereby firmly placing Mangaluru on the global open-water swimming map.
Diverse Race Categories and Expanding Participation
This year's edition offers a range of challenging race categories to cater to swimmers of all skill levels:
- 500 meters (open swim) for beginners and enthusiasts
- 2 kilometers for intermediate competitors
- 4 kilometers for seasoned swimmers
- 6 kilometers for endurance specialists
- 8 kilometers for elite athletes
The event welcomes both competitive endurance swimmers and passionate amateurs seeking the unique thrill of swimming in the open sea. Organizers report strong year-on-year momentum, with approximately 200 swimmers participating in the 2nd edition and nearly 400 competitors expected this year. This growth is accompanied by a notable increase in international participation, underscoring the event's rising global profile.
Technical Excellence and Safety Protocols
The competition's technical committee is headed by Olympian Gagan Ullalmath, ensuring world-class standards. Den Den Swim is recognized as one of India's most demanding and authentic open-water swim challenges, often ranked by endurance swimmers alongside the country's toughest long-distance sea swims.
Given the open-sea format, the event is designed with a strong emphasis on safety and sea awareness. The Indian Coast Guard has extended cooperation for security and safety measures, supported by trained lifeguards and robust on-ground protocols to ensure a safe race environment for all participants.
Corporate Support and Community Impact
The Mangalore Surf Club has announced Mukund Realty as the Title Sponsor for Den Den Swim 2026. Gurudatta Shenoy, Managing Partner of Mukund Realty, expressed pride in supporting the event, stating, "We are proud to support Den Den Swim as Title Sponsor because it represents the future of Mangaluru: healthy, active, aspirational, and globally visible. Events like this do not just build sport; they build a city's identity and confidence. We want Mangaluru to be recognised on a global horizon as a destination for world-class experiences."
A Movement Beyond Competition
Karthik Narayan, Secretary of the Mangalore Surf Club, emphasized the broader significance of Den Den Swim. "Den Den Swim is not just a race; it is a movement to build sea confidence, sea safety awareness, and a stronger open-water swimming community. Swimmers from across India and overseas will participate," he remarked.
The event was also attended by Capt Deepak Kariappa, Vice President of the Mangalore Surf Club, and Shrikrishna Vasanth, the event director, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this prestigious championship.
