Important Notice from CMAS: What Athletes, Parents, Coaches and Organisers in India Need to Know
The Underwater Sports Association (India) — USAI, India's CMAS-affiliated Underwater Sports Federation of India, has received an official letter from CMAS, the World Underwater Federation, regarding an event titled the "6th National Finswimming Championship Pune 2026." In the interest of transparency and the safety of every athlete, parent, coach, and organiser, USAI is sharing what CMAS has communicated, exactly as it was communicated to us.
This post is written purely to spread awareness. USAI is not making any allegation against any person or organisation. We are sharing a document issued by CMAS, so that everyone can read it, understand it, and make informed decisions in the future.
About the CMAS Letter
The letter was issued by the CMAS Sports Committee on 3 October 2026 (Ref: 2026-SPC-10/192) and addressed to the Underwater Sports Association India. In summary, CMAS states the following.
1. The event was not organised, sanctioned, licensed, or endorsed by CMAS
CMAS says it has been informed that an event titled "6th National Finswimming Championship Pune 2026" which was organised by some “Underwater Sports Federation of India - USFI”, held at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Swimming Pool, Mahalunge, Pune, from 29 September to 2 October 2026. In CMAS's words:
"CMAS confirms that this event was not organised, sanctioned, licensed, or endorsed by CMAS, and that it is not an event held under the aegis of CMAS."
2. USAI is the sole CMAS-affiliated National Federation in India
The letter reaffirms what is stated in the CMAS Certificate of Recognition:
"The Underwater Sports Association India is the sole CMAS-affiliated National Federation for underwater sports in India. It is the only entity entitled to organise or license national events and to award national titles."
3. A clarification about CMAS representation
CMAS also states that it has been informed that Mr. Ravivarma attended the event as Chief Guest and was presented as an official representative of CMAS. CMAS clarifies that he did not attend under any official order, mandate, or authorisation from CMAS, and did not attend as its representative.
4. Results, titles, and certificates carry no CMAS recognition
CMAS asks all athletes, officials, clubs, and stakeholders to note this clarification:
"Results, titles, and certificates from the above event carry no CMAS recognition."
What This Means in Simple Terms
- Only USAI can organise or license national finswimming and underwater sports events in India, and only USAI can award national titles recognised by CMAS.
- A national championship title, medal, or certificate matters internationally only when it comes through the CMAS-affiliated national federation.
- Anyone presented as a CMAS representative should hold an official order, mandate, or authorisation from CMAS.
You can read more in our earlier guide, USAI: India's Only Authorized CMAS Finswimming Organization, and confirm USAI's status yourself on the official CMAS page for India.
A Message to Everyone in the Underwater Sports Community
To Athletes
You train hard, and your results should count. Before entering any competition, check that it is part of the USAI and CMAS structure. If an event is not, its results will not count toward national selection or international participation.
To Parents
Your time, travel, and fees are an investment in your child's future. Please take two minutes to verify an event before you register. When in doubt, ask USAI first.
To Coaches
Athletes trust your guidance. Please confirm that the events you recommend are USAI-affiliated, so that your athletes' efforts lead to recognised results.
To Organisers, Schools, and Education Authorities
If you are asked to host or support an underwater sports event, please ask for written proof that the organiser is affiliated with USAI and that the event is licensed. Schools and education departments in particular are encouraged to verify credentials before giving permission or publicity.
To Guests, Sponsors, and Officials
If you are invited as a Chief Guest or official representative, please confirm the event's affiliation and, if anyone is presented as speaking for CMAS, whether they hold written authorisation from CMAS.
How to Verify an Event in Three Steps
- Check the official CMAS page for India at cmas.org, which lists the affiliated national federation.
- Check the event on the USAI website. All official USAI events are listed there, and registration is done only through your athlete account on underwatersportsindia.com.
- Ask for documents, not just names. A genuine event can show proof of licence from the CMAS-affiliated national federation.
If You Have Already Participated in Such an Event
Your effort and your love for the sport still matter. USAI simply encourages you to channel them through the recognised pathway from here on. You can explore finswimming training in India through USAI, and register for official championships such as the National Finswimming Championship through your athlete account. If you have questions, please contact USAI directly and we will be happy to guide you.
View the Official Letter
The full CMAS letter (Ref: 2026-SPC-10/192, dated 3 October 2026) can be viewed here:
Our Commitment
USAI's only aim is to protect the interests of genuine athletes and keep India's pathway into CMAS competition clear and trustworthy. We share this notice with respect for everyone in the community, and in the hope that clear information helps every athlete, parent, coach, and organiser avoid confusion in the future.
For verified information on finswimming and underwater sports in India, always start at underwatersportsindia.com, the official website of the Underwater Sports Association (India), USAI.
