GENEVA, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam sent new year message on Wednesday to the world swimming fans for a successful year of 2025.

"It is with great pride that we look back on what has been a hugely successful year for World Aquatics," Musallam said. "Across the world, the outstanding performances of athletes at the elite level, the dedication of coaches, and the professionalism of officials, staff and volunteers have shaped an incredible 2025 for aquatic sports. Your work underpins the continued strength and development of aquatics worldwide."

The World Aquatics Championships was held for the first time in Southeast Asia in Singapore this summer when over 2,400 athletes from 203 countries and regions competed in 77 medal events in the six aquatic sports.

A total of 13 world records were shattered in three Swimming World Cups in Carmel and Westmont of the United States and in Toronto of Canada.

The World Aquatics Support Program continues to benefit aquatic sports in more than 180 countries and regions, investing over 4.8 million U.S. dollars globally, the president said.

"These activities are driven by our ongoing commercial success, and we would like to sincerely thank our Global Partners and Global Suppliers for their support and shared commitment to the growth of aquatic sports," he added.

The 2026 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) will be held in Beijing in 2026, and the world swimming governing body is preparing for the 2027 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest and LA 28 Olympic Games.

"With 55 aquatics medals at LA28, this will be the most ever for any sport at an Olympic Games. This follows the IOC's agreement to include six new sprint medal events in swimming, and the expansion of the Women's Water Polo Tournament to 12 teams in a landmark moment for gender parity. Swimming will take centre stage during the final week of the Games, with the final session held just before the Closing Ceremony, and this will contribute to keeping aquatics at the heart of the Games in Los Angeles," the president concluded. ■