11 June 2023, Langkawi, Kedah – Langkawi Island, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant tourism industry, recently hosted the highly anticipated Langkawi Swimming Festival 2023. This prestigious annual event, held against the picturesque backdrop of Tanjung Rhu on 11 June 2023, brought together competitive open water swimmers from around the world in a thrilling display of skill and endurance.
The Langkawi Swimming Festival, now in its 4th edition, once again solidified its reputation as a must-attend event for open water swimming enthusiasts. The festival showcased the remarkable abilities of participants as they conquered the challenging waters off the coast of Tanjung Rhu. With three categories available – the grueling 8-kilometer, the demanding 4-kilometer, the thrilling 2-kilometer distances, and the entry level 400-metre Octopus category – swimmers displayed exceptional strength, stamina, and determination throughout the competition.
This year’s Langkawi Swimming Festival witnessed the successful installment of the Octopus category, a special division designed for young swimmers aged between 6 to 12. The Octopus category has gained popularity over the years and continues to grow in participation. This year marked the largest number of participants, with 50 enthusiastic kids showcasing their talent and passion in the open water. This significant increase in participation compared to the previous edition, which had 30 participants, underscores the growing appeal of the Octopus category among young swimmers.
“We are delighted to announce the success of the Langkawi Swimming Festival 2023, a celebration of the dedication and excellence of open water swimmers. The response received from our participants, especially the parents, has been tremendous, and we believe the event will continue to grow, encouraging more kids to participate in open water swimming,” said Wan Kamarul Faisal Wan Kamardin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Planning and Development, of Langkawi Development Authority.
Wan Kamarul Faisal also believes that this event has a multiple effect on tourism figures, as families come to support the young swimmers, and larger groups of swimmers travel together. It aligns perfectly with the aim of the programme.
The Langkawi Swimming Festival 2023 attracted a formidable lineup of 365 participants from across the globe, including seasoned athletes and emerging talents in open water swimming. The competition witnessed breathtaking displays of athleticism and marked the culmination of dedicated training and determination.
Langkawi’s commitment to sports tourism was once again highlighted through the successful execution of the Langkawi Swimming Festival. The event showcased the island’s unique appeal as a premier destination for competitive open water swimming, strengthening its position as a thriving sports tourism hub.
For more information about the Langkawi Swimming Festival and to view highlights from this year’s event, please visit https://www.facebook.com/langkawiswimmingfestival/. Stay updated with the latest news and relive the excitement by following the festival’s social media channels and using the hashtag #LangkawiSwimFest2023.
The Langkawi Swimming Festival 2023 is organised by Tough Gorilla, supported by the Langkawi Development Authority sponsored by DEVER Malaysia.
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Ms Azura Zainol Abidin
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