Bali to Host 2026 Asian Open Water Swimming Championship in June

Denpasar — Bali has been confirmed as the host of the 12th Asian Open Water Swimming Championship 2026, with races scheduled from 13 to 15 June 2026 in Jimbaran Bay, Badung regency, rather than on 26 August 2026 as previously suggested.

The continental open-water event will take place off the beachfront of the InterContinental Bali Resort in Jimbaran, according to competition regulations issued by Asia Aquatics and statements from the Indonesian Aquatics Federation (PB Akuatik Indonesia). The championship is part of a wider push to position Indonesia, and Bali in particular, as a regional hub for sport tourism.

Confirmed event details

Asia Aquatics’ published rules and regulations for the 12th Asian Open Water Swimming Championship state that the event will be held in Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia, from 13 to 15 June 2026. The beachfront at InterContinental Bali Resort is designated as the competition venue, with the Jimbaran Klub Swimming Pool listed as the training facility.

The Indonesian Aquatics Federation has announced that Bali will host both the Asian championship and the A•STREAM Open Water Swimming Series in June 2026, describing the events as part of efforts to develop sport tourism. Officials have indicated that national teams from Asia Aquatics member federations are eligible to compete, and Indonesian athletes will represent the host nation.

According to PB Akuatik Indonesia and Indonesian media reports, the championship is expected to attract elite swimmers from around 17 Asian countries, alongside hundreds of participants in the associated open-water series. Preliminary and final entry deadlines for teams have been set for April and May 2026, respectively.

Programme and format

The championship regulations specify individual events over 5 kilometres and 10 kilometres for men and women, as well as a mixed relay over a total distance of 6 kilometres (4 x 1,500 metres). Competition days are scheduled across 13, 14 and 15 June 2026, with arrivals on 11–12 June and departures on 16 June.

Asia Aquatics notes that the meet will be conducted under World Aquatics and Asia Aquatics rules, with no entry fees charged to participating national teams. The federation’s documentation also sets time limits for each race category and outlines technical and safety requirements for the open-water course.

Sport tourism expectations

Indonesian officials have framed the Jimbaran championship as a showcase for Bali’s coastal destinations and as a catalyst for visitor spending on accommodation, transport and local services. The Ministry of Tourism has publicly linked the event to broader efforts to attract regional and international travellers through high-profile sports competitions.

Media reports quoting PB Akuatik Indonesia indicate that organisers anticipate hundreds of athletes and amateur participants across the championship and the A•STREAM series, with delegations expected to remain in Bali for several days around the race dates. Local authorities have discussed the event in meetings on preparations and infrastructure in Badung regency.

As of the latest available information, the Asian Open Water Swimming Championship in Bali is framed as a confirmed June 2026 event, supported by Asia Aquatics competition regulations and public statements from Indonesian sporting and tourism bodies.

Sources

• Asia Aquatics – 12th Asian Open Water Swimming Championship Rules and Regulations 2026 (PDF)
• detikSport – Akuatik Indonesia Jadi Tuan Rumah Kejuaraan Asia Renang Perairan Terbuka
• Indonesian Post – International Swimmers Set to Compete in Bali in June 2026
• RRI.co.id – Indonesia Eyes Regeneration Through Asian Open Water Swimming in Bali
• Star News Korea – South Korea's Open Water Swimming Team Wins Silver in Mixed Team Event
• Bola.com – Akuatik Indonesia Gandeng Kemenpar Gelar 12th Asian Open Water Swimming Championships dan A•STREAM Open Water Swimming Series
• Metro TV – PB Akuatik-Metro TV Kolaborasi Dorong Sport Tourism Lewat Kejuaraan Renang Internasional
• Bola.net – Bali Siap Jadi Panggung Dunia: Akuatik Indonesia dan Kemenpar Gelar Kejuaraan Renang Laut Internasional
• Merdeka – Bali Jadi Tuan Rumah Kejuaraan Renang Internasional, PB Akuatik Indonesia Temui Gubernur Koster
• InterContinental Bali Resort – LinkedIn Post on Press Conference for Asian Open Water Swimming Championship 2026
• ATNews.id – Dorong Sport Tourism, Menpar Siap Dukung A-STREAM Open Water Swimming Series
• VIVA – Tag page Open Water Swimming
• Indonesia Expat