Singapore, August 6, 2025: Mark Chay, co-chair of the organising committee of the World Aquatics Championships Singapore 2025, believes the success of the event has reaffirmed the country’s reputation as a leading destination for international sporting events.
Posting on social media following the closure of the July 11-August 3 world championships, Chay said: “Through strong collaboration and the spirit of ‘water shapes us’, we brought together the global aquatics community and created experiences that will be remembered by all involved.”
The 22nd world championships featured all six World Aquatics disciplines - swimming, open water, water polo, diving, high diving and artistic swimming - and involved more than 2,500 athletes from 205 national federations plus the World Aquatics Refugee Team.
“Reflecting on the World Aquatics Championships Singapore 2025, I’m genuinely humbled by the range of experiences and emotions this event has brought to life,” he wrote.
“Words alone can’t capture everything we’ve seen and accomplished together, but it feels important to honour these extraordinary moments and the incredible people who made them happen.
“As the curtain falls on this elite competition, I find myself deeply moved. The dedication of every athlete, the unwavering support from our community and the countless acts of perseverance and unity we witnessed over the past weeks have left a lasting impression on me.
“Our journey has brought both triumphs and challenges but, above all, it’s been shaped by a shared commitment to excellence and inclusivity.”
Chay, who is also Secretary General of the Singapore National Olympic Council, highlighted the fact that more female athletes competed than male athletes.
“One milestone stands out — this was the first time in history that more women than men competed. That’s a profound step forward, a sign of progress and hope for a brighter, more equal future.”
He concluded: “We now hand over to Budapest for 2027. By hosting a record-breaking event here in Singapore, we have reaffirmed our country's reputation as a leading destination for international sporting events. Thank you for standing with us and for believing in what we could achieve together.”