The 34th National Swimming, Diving, and Water Polo Championships began on Monday at the National Swimming Complex in Mirpur, marking the start of four days of intense competition. 

The event, which runs until Thursday, has drawn participation from 67 teams, featuring 595 swimmers, 105 team officials, and 120 meet officials—a total of 816 participants.

The first day featured 10 swimming and two diving events, with competitors setting five new national records.

Kajol Mia of Bangladesh Navy stole the show, breaking national marks in both the men’s 200m freestyle and 200m butterfly events. His teammate Samiul Islam Rafi added another record in the men’s 50m backstroke, while Navy swimmers also set new national bests in the men’s and women’s 4x100m freestyle relay events.

Unsurprisingly, Bangladesh Navy dominated the opening day’s medal tally, collecting eight gold, five silver, and six bronze medals. 

The Bangladesh Army followed with three gold, six silver, and four bronze, while BKSP managed one gold, one silver, and two bronze.

This year’s championship has introduced several new events, including the men’s 800m freestyle, women’s 1500m freestyle, 4x100m mixed freestyle relay, and 4x100m mixed medley relay. 

For the first time, three diving events for women have also been included at the national level.

In total, the meet will feature 42 swimming events, six diving events, and 49 events including water polo. Winners will receive medals and cash prizes, while the champion and runner-up teams will be awarded trophies.