South Korea to Host 2026 CMAS World Championship Finswimming Indoor in Incheon

The Republic of Korea will welcome the world’s elite finswimming athletes when Incheon Metropolitan City hosts the 2026 CMAS World Championship Finswimming Indoor from June 22-29, 2026. This marks the first time the prestigious championship will be held in South Korea, representing a significant milestone for underwater sports in Asia.

Welcome from Leadership

CMAS President Anna Arzhanova emphasized the championship’s importance as “one of the highest levels of international competition in Finswimming,” bringing together the world’s finest athletes to celebrate excellence and sportsmanship. The event will unite the global finswimming community in Incheon, a city renowned for its modern infrastructure and commitment to international sport.

Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok expressed his pride in hosting the event, noting that the city successfully hosted the 17th Asian Games in 2014 and has extensive experience with international sporting events. “Incheon is a mecca for professional sports,” he stated, promising to deliver “the most inspiring experience to both athletes and spectators.”

Korea Underwater Association President Kang Chul-Sik welcomed participants from around the world, emphasizing the dual purpose of the championship: “This championship is not only an international sporting event but also a valuable opportunity to introduce the Republic of Korea and the city of Incheon to the global community.”

About Incheon Metropolitan City

Incheon is South Korea’s second-largest metropolitan city by area, home to three million residents, located approximately 28 kilometers from the capital Seoul. The city offers:

• World-class infrastructure: Incheon International Airport, Incheon Port, expressways, and metropolitan subway system
• International experience: Successfully hosted the 2014 Asian Games
• Strategic location: At the confluence of the Yellow Sea and Han River
• Cultural richness: Vibrant K-pop scene and diverse cultural attractions
• Economic significance: Korea’s second-largest economic city

The city’s combination of accessibility, proven event management capabilities, and cultural resources makes it an ideal host for this world championship.

Competition Venue

The championship will take place at the Munhak Park Tae-Hwan Aquatics Center, a state-of-the-art facility offering:

Main Pool Specifications:

• Length: 50 meters
• Width: 25 meters
• Lanes: 10
• Depth: 2 meters
• Water temperature: 26-28°C
• Spectator capacity: 3,006 seats (including 32 accessible seats)

Auxiliary Pool:

• Length: 50 meters
• Lanes: 6
• Depth: 1.7 meters

Facilities:

• First Floor: Athlete waiting rooms, shower facilities, locker rooms, referee offices, press facilities, interview rooms, and equipment storage
• Second and Third Floors: Spectator seating, concession stands, lounges, and public facilities

The venue is located at 618 Maesohol-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon, with easy access via the Munhak Sports Complex subway station.

Meet the Mascots: Fingu and Finney

The championship features two official mascots inspired by the spotted seal, a symbolic species of Incheon:

• Fingu represents challenge and motivation
• Finney represents welcome and harmony

Together, these mascots embody the spirit and values of the 2026 CMAS World Championship through their agility and flexibility, reflecting the dynamism of finswimming.

Competition Program

Disciplines and Events

The championship will feature competitions across multiple finswimming disciplines for both men and women:

Surface Swimming (SF):

• 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m

Apnea (AP):

• 50m

Immersion (IM):

• 100m, 200m, 400m

Bi-Fins (BF):

• 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m

Relay Events:

• 4×50m SF (Men/Women)
• 4×100m SF (Men/Women)
• 4×200m SF (Men/Women)
• 4×100m BF Mixed
• 4×100m SB Mixed

Daily Competition Schedule

Day -2 (June 22, 2026):

• Arrival of delegations

Day -1 (June 23, 2026):

• Continued arrivals
• Training sessions (11:00-15:00)
• Team leaders’ technical meeting (09:30-10:30)
• Opening ceremony (19:00)

Days 1-5 (June 24-28, 2026):

• Morning sessions: Preliminary heats
• Afternoon sessions: Finals and fast heats
• Evening: Medal ceremonies

Day 6 (June 29, 2026):

• Departure of delegations

Competition Format

• Morning sessions feature preliminary heats
• Afternoon sessions include finals
• Special format for 400m IM, 800m SF, and 1500m SF: slow heats in morning, fast heats in afternoon
• Each country may enter up to two swimmers per individual event
• One team per relay event per country

Participation Requirements

Eligibility:

• Only participants with valid CMAS licenses may compete
• All registrations must be submitted through the CMAS Portal
• Athletes must comply with CMAS rules, regulations, and safety conditions

Equipment Specifications:

Compressed-Air Cylinders (for Immersion events):

• Only compressed air without oxygen enrichment allowed
• Minimum volume: 0.4L for 100m IM, 1.0L for 200m and 400m IM
• Maximum filling pressure: 200 bar (20 MPa)
• Must pass hydrostatic test within 2 years of competition
• All cylinders presented empty during pre-competition checks
• Organizers provide DYN & INT cylinder filling; teams must bring adaptors for other types

Required Items:

• Two national flags (2.00m × 1.00m)
• USB with national anthem (short instrumental version)

Accommodation and Services

Official Hotels

1. Park Marine Hotel

• Distance: 8.8km from venue (22 minutes)
• Location: 44 Sorae-ro, Nonhyeon 1-dong, Namdong-gu

2. Gloucester Hotel

• Distance: 8.9km from venue (22 minutes)
• Location: 36 Soraeyeok-ro, Namdong-gu

Package Inclusions (June 22-29, 7 nights):

Standard Package: €1,085 per person

• Full board accommodation in 3-4 star hotels (double/triple rooms)
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (buffet style)
• 2 × 0.5L drinking water per person/day
• Free transfers between official hotels and swimming pool
• Participation in opening and closing ceremonies

Additional Costs:

• Airport transfers: €60 (roundtrip)
• Single room supplement: €45 per night
• Non-official hotel participants: €545 participation fee
• Extra days: €110 per person/day

Important Deadlines

Registration Timeline:

March 22, 2026:

• Registration and payment of CMAS fees on CMAS Portal

May 11, 2026:

• Submit ANNEX 1: Preliminary declaration of participation to CMAS Finswimming Commission Director and Local Organizing Committee

May 22, 2026:

• Submit ANNEX 2: Final hotel booking form, bank transfer copy, and entry fees to Local Organizing Committee

June 7, 2026:

• Complete online registration of all delegation members through CMAS Portal
• Submit ANNEX 3: List form to Local Organizing Committee

Payment Terms:

• Minimum 50% deposit due by April 22, 2026
• Late registrations after April 22 incur 10% penalty
• All payments via bank transfer
• Bank details provided upon request to kua@kua.or.kr

Competition Administration

International Jury:

• CMAS Technical Delegate
• International Board of Judges per CMAS procedures

Anti-Doping:

• Doping control conducted according to CMAS and WADA rules
• Tests administered by the International Testing Agency (ITA)

Protests:

• Handled according to CMAS Procedures for Category A-B competitions

Awards:

• Classification and awards per CMAS rules
• Medal ceremonies following each competition day

Practical Information

Travel and Logistics:

• Currency: Korean Won (₩)
• Electrical current: 220V, 60 Hz
• Plug types: C and F
• Visa requirements: Contact Local Organizing Committee at least 2 months prior if needed

Contact Information:

Local Organizing Committee: Korea Underwater Association

• Office: +82-2-420-4293
• Email: kua@kua.or.kr

CMAS Finswimming Commission Director:

• Email: alexandros.xiarchos@sport.cmas.org

Additional Services:

• Training camps available before championship (contact LOC for details)
• Teams strongly advised to stay in official hotels
• Free transportation to venue for official hotel guests

Significance of the Event

This championship serves multiple important purposes:

1. Elite Competition: Provides the world’s best finswimming athletes a platform to compete at the highest level
2. Record Setting: Opportunity for new personal and world records
3. International Unity: Strengthens bonds within the global CMAS finswimming family
4. Cultural Exchange: Showcases Korean culture, hospitality, and sporting excellence
5. Sport Development: Promotes finswimming growth in Asia and worldwide

The 2026 CMAS World Championship Finswimming Indoor represents a convergence of athletic excellence, international cooperation, and cultural celebration. With Incheon’s proven capabilities in hosting world-class sporting events, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to athlete success, the championship promises to be a memorable and historic event for the global finswimming community.

As President Arzhanova expressed, this championship offers athletes the opportunity “to achieve outstanding performances, set new personal and world records, and strengthen the bonds of friendship that unite our CMAS family.”

Teams and athletes interested in participating should begin their registration process immediately and contact the Korea Underwater Association for detailed information about accommodation, logistics, and competition specifics.

FILES:

2026 CMAS World Championship FSW Indoor_Information Bulletin
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