Beijing, China, September 26, 2025: Beijing was awarded the title of ‘The Aquatics Capital City’ by World Aquatics at the China Swimming Day opening ceremony on Friday, September 26.
The decision was announced by World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam in recognition of China’s massive efforts in developing aquatic sports. It is estimated that more than 20 million people swim daily in the country.
The World Aquatics President was at the Beijing Water Cube for the official opening of China Swimming Day – Swim for Health, Safety and Fun.
“Today, World Aquatics proudly joins our friends in Beijing and all across China in celebrating China Swimming Day. This event is a powerful reminder that swimming is for everyone – every age, every background, every ability,” Al Musallam pointed out.
“China is showing the world what’s possible when a whole nation comes together to promote swimming – for health, safety and the joy of sport.
“We applaud the Chinese Government, the Chinese Swimming Association, and every coach, swimmer and family taking part in this beautiful celebration today, proudly being part of over 20 million daily engagements in swimming in China,” Al Musallam said.
Al Musallam continued: “From grassroots to greatness, China Swimming Day is about building a culture of swimming that lasts a lifetime. With Beijing set to host the World Aquatics Championships in 2026 and 2029, China’s commitment to sport has never been stronger.
“For this reason, I am very pleased to announce today that World Aquatics has bestowed upon Beijing a new title – ‘Beijing: The Aquatics Capital City’. We thank the Chinese Government, City of Beijing, the Chinese Swimming Association for their commitment to World Aquatics and swimming throughout China.
“Together, we share a mission: more people, swimming more often, in safer water. So today, get in the water, swim, and be happy,” Al Musallam added.
China Swimming Day is a joint development programme between World Aquatics and Chinese Swimming Association to promote health, safety in swimming and preventing drowning.
A total of 10 cities in the country have joined China Swimming Day and host different types of activities on September 26. The cities are Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, Shenyang, Wuhan, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xian and Shenzhen.
