53 Swimmers Brave Nigeen Lake in the Great Nigeen Swim 2026
Srinagar, August 31 — Fifty-three swimmers braved the waters of the iconic Nigeen Lake in Srinagar as the Swim N Survive Society – Kashmir (SnSS-K), in collaboration with the Underwater Sports Association of J&K, successfully hosted the Great Nigeen Swim – 2026, featuring challenging 3-kilometre and 5-kilometre open-water endurance swims.
The event stands as another proud milestone for underwater sports and open-water swimming in Kashmir, organised in step with the standards upheld by the Underwater Sports Association (India) — USAI, the country's official CMAS-affiliated Underwater Sports Federation of India.
A Grand Flag-Off on the Waters of Nigeen
The event was flagged off by Shakeel Ahmad Shah, President, Swim N Survive Society – Kashmir, along with Yasir Makhdoomi, Secretary of the Society, and Riyaz Ahmad Wani, noted swimming and cycling expert. Their presence lent both experience and encouragement to a field of swimmers ready to take on one of Kashmir's most demanding open-water challenges.
The 53 participants, including two women swimmers, took on the demanding 3-km and 5-km courses from the Nigeen Water Sports Centre towards the houseboat area, completing three and five laps respectively — a genuine test of endurance set against the stunning backdrop of one of Srinagar's most iconic lakes.
Safety and Precision at the Core
The event was meticulously monitored through Garmin tracking devices, while volunteers and support personnel remained deployed along the course to ensure smooth coordination, safety, and successful completion of the challenge for every swimmer. This kind of structured, safety-first approach reflects the growing professionalism behind open-water and underwater sports events in India, and the standards that the Underwater Sports Federation in India continues to encourage at every level of competition.
A Field Featuring Kashmir's Finest
The participant field featured several of Kashmir's prominent swimmers and adventure-sports enthusiasts, including:
- Zahid Iqbal
- Dr. Sheikh Tariq
- Er. Mushtaq Wani
- Faheem Ali Punjabi
- Ajaz Khan of Paristaan Group
- National finswimmers Mohammad Faaliq Najar, Zaid Bin Riyaz Wani, Muhammad Aleem Ibaad, and Sadiq Ali
- National medallist Mohsin Fayaz
The presence of established finswimming competitors alongside dedicated open-water enthusiasts made for a field that blended experience, ambition, and genuine community spirit.
A Family Affair in the Water
Adding a special dimension to the event was inspiring family participation, with Abdullah Aijaz swimming alongside his father Aijaz Khan and sister Irtika Aijaz — exemplifying the spirit of togetherness, family bonding, and shared passion for sport that continues to define Kashmir's growing open-water swimming culture.
Building a Culture of Endurance and Water Safety
Speaking at the closing, representatives of the Swim N Survive Society – Kashmir reaffirmed the Society's commitment to promoting adventure, endurance, water safety, and aquatic sports across the region — values that align closely with the broader mission of the Underwater Sports Association (India), India's recognised Underwater Sports Federation, to grow safe, structured, and genuinely rewarding aquatic sporting opportunities nationwide.
Riyaz Ahmad Wani, water-sports expert, expressed his gratitude to the technical officials, volunteers, and support teams for their vital contribution to the successful conduct of the event. He noted that initiatives such as the Great Nigeen Swim not only test the physical and mental limits of swimmers but also inspire the younger generation to embrace challenging, disciplined, and life-enriching sporting activities.
Supported by the Community
The Great Nigeen Swim – 2026 was facilitated and sponsored by S M Constructions and J J Foods, whose support helped bring this ambitious open-water event to life.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to all 53 swimmers, officials, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for making the event a memorable celebration of endurance, courage, camaraderie, and the growing culture of open-water swimming in Kashmir.
A Proud Moment for Underwater Sports in India
Events like the Great Nigeen Swim reflect exactly the kind of grassroots energy that continues to strengthen underwater sports across India — from the lakes of Kashmir to national championships held across the country. As India's official Underwater Sports Association and Underwater Sports Federation of India, USAI is proud to see affiliated bodies like the Underwater Sports Association of J&K and community organisations like Swim N Survive Society – Kashmir carrying this spirit forward at the regional level.
Stay Connected
For more updates on underwater sports and finswimming events across India, keep visiting underwatersportsindia.com — the official website of the Underwater Sports Association (India), USAI.