Photos: Global stars shine at Artistic Swimming World League in Dubai

250 female athletes representing 15 countries from across all continents participate

Published: December 13, 2024 18:20 Photos by Virendra Saklani and Compiled by Devadasan K P

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Swimmers on the opening day of the 2nd Artistic Swimming World League, at Hamdan Sports Complex. The prestigious championship, the largest international event in artistic swimming, is being hosted at Hamdan Sports Complex. The event brings together numerous clubs and national teams worldwide, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a global sports hub. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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This event is part of the 58 international and local sports events held annually at the complex, including 28 Olympic and non-Olympic sports, as well as community events and training camps for clubs, national teams, and Olympic champions. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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Artistic Swimming (formerly known as synchronized swimming) is a water sport that combines elements of swimming, dance, and gymnastics. It involves individuals or teams performing synchronized routines in the water, accompanied by music. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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Athletes demonstrate strength, flexibility, and endurance as they execute choreographed movements, including lifts, flips, and acrobatic stunts while maintaining precise timing with the music and other swimmers. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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Artistic swimming is featured in major competitions, including the Olympic Games, the World Championships, and regional competitions like the Artistic Swimming World League. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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Among the top athletes who train at Hamdan Sports Complex are South African swimmer Chad Le Clos, Japanese swimmer Rie Kanto, Danish badminton champion Viktor Axelsen, French diving star Gary Hunt, Russian rhythmic swimmer Anastazia Akhipovskaya, and Olympic champion Anastasia Davydova, who also serves as a coach for her team. Anastasia, who has made Dubai her home, emphasized the importance of the city's role in global sports and its ability to host such significant events successfully. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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Anastasia Davydova, who participated in the championship as a coach, stated: “I am thrilled to be part of this championship and delighted to see so many participants, especially local Emirati talents. Hosting international championships like this is crucial for the development of sports and expanding its reach. Dubai has proven itself capable of hosting such grand events with excellence." Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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Daria Kalkina, a key organizer, also shared her enthusiasm: “The participation from clubs and national teams around the world has been incredible. Dubai is a favorite destination for athletes, and we are proud of the significant number of Emirati female athletes who are joining the international stage. Image Credit:

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This year’s event is dedicated to 'Fair Play, Unity in the World of Sports, and Inspiring Emirati Female Athletes to Compete in International Competitions.'" Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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New countries such as New Zealand, Brazil, America, Singapore, Italy, Algeria, Georgia, and Uzbekistan joined the competition for the first time, alongside returning teams from Russia, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Croatia, and Azerbaijan. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

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Photos: Global stars shine at Artistic Swimming World League in Dubai

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Photos: Global stars shine at Artistic Swimming World League in Dubai

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