World Aquatics has released its 2025 Annual Report for Development Programmes, Medical Initiatives and Athletes’ Services, showcasing a record-breaking year for the organisation's programmes supporting athletes, coaches, technical officials and Member Federations around the world.
The report reveals that the World Aquatics Support Programme funded 703 projects across 181 Member Federations, benefiting 216,131 athletes globally, while a record 152 athletes were supported through World Aquatics' scholarship programmes. In total, more than USD 10 million was invested in development and athletes' services initiatives during the year.
Among the year's standout milestones was the grand opening of the World Aquatics Centre of Excellence at the University of Technology Bahrain, expanding training and educational opportunities for elite aquatic athletes, alongside a new World Aquatics Training Centre in Bahrain. The Discover Water programme entered its second year, with country lead trainings in Africa and Asia expanding its reach in pursuit of global water safety and participation.
The report also highlights the launch of new Coaches' Certification and International Technical Officials' pathways, the debut of World Aquatics' new e-learning platform CORAL, and a restructured Mentorship Programme. On the infrastructure front, the Pools for All initiative achieved a historic milestone, breaking ground on a new national aquatics facility in Grenada as part of the organisation's push for sustainable aquatics infrastructure and water safety education.
Athletes' services saw significant growth in 2025, with the first-ever Athletes' Career Summit “From Podiums to Possibilities”, and a series of webinars on women's health organised for athletes.
Moreover, the first World Aquatics Sustainability Strategy, “The Blueprint”, launched to establish a clear direction and shared responsibility for advancing sustainable development within the global aquatics community.
Speaking in the report, World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam thanked all who contributed to the global development of aquatic sports throughout the year.
“Our commitment to development and athletes’ services ensures that aquatic sports remain accessible, providing athletes, coaches, officials, National Federations and Continental Organisations with the opportunity to succeed,” President Al Musallam said.
“Together, we have strengthened the foundations of our sport and paved the way for future growth. I sincerely thank our athletes, coaches, technical officials, Member Federations, Continental Organisations, partners, and staff for their unwavering commitment. Our progress reflects our shared passion.”
The full 2025 Development Programmes, Medical Initiatives and Athletes’ Services Annual Report is available here on the World Aquatics website.