Masters swimming competition provides cross-age platform for ASEAN event preparations
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The 4th Nika Kalila Masters Swimming Championship 2026 serves as a cross-age competition platform and part of Indonesia’s preparations for the Southeast Asia Masters Swimming Championship 2026 in Jakarta.
Harlin E Rahardjo, Acting Chairman of the Indonesian Aquatics Federation (PB AI) and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the 4th Nika Kalila Masters Swimming Championship 2026, stated that the competition, attended by 122 swimmers from various regions including Malaysia, proves swimming is accessible to all age groups.
“Swimming proves to be a sport for all ages. Age does not matter, everyone shares the same enthusiasm,” Harlin said in a statement on Monday in Jakarta.
The competition, held last weekend at the Nika Training Pool in Bintaro, featured 16 events with participants ranging from 25 years old to over 80.
Harlin said the competition format, which groups participants by best time rather than age categories, reflects a commitment to making swimming open to all.
He added that the Nika Kalila Masters Swimming Championship aligns with PB AI’s “Ayo Berenang” movement to boost public interest in swimming.
The event also serves as a warm-up for Indonesia ahead of hosting the Southeast Asia Masters Swimming Championship from 14-18 October 2026 at the Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta.
“There will be many masters athletes from ASEAN and beyond invited. The event at GBK will be lively, and hopefully masters swimming in Indonesia continues to grow,” Harlin said.
Meanwhile, Rara Nastiti, Chairperson of the 4th Nika Kalila Masters Swimming Championship 2026, noted high participant enthusiasm, particularly from senior swimmers.
“Categories are divided every five years, from 25 up to over 85, with three participants in the oldest category,” Rara said.
Rara said this year’s event was made more dynamic with medal ceremonies held immediately after each event.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by the presence of national swimmers including I Gede Siman Sudartawa, Gagarin Nathaniel, and Joe Aditya.
“Yes, we plan to hold the Nika Masters Championship every May,” Rara added.