National underwater athletes won 8 gold, 8 silver and 14 bronze medals in the international organizations they participated in in 2025, and also broke 1 world record.
Kadir Sağlam, President of the Turkish Underwater Sports Federation, stated that the 2025 season has been a historical success in terms of underwater sports and emphasized that the results obtained are the product of planned and comprehensive studies carried out in the field.
Sağlam gave the information that Türkiye was represented on the Board of Directors of the World Confederation of Underwater Activities (CMAS) for the first time, gained full membership in the International Lifeguard Federation Europe (ILSE), formed a national team in the sportive lifesaving branch for the first time, and participated in the European Championship.
DIVER AGE HAS DECREASED TO 12
Sağlam said that the regulation has been made to lower the age of divers from 14 to 12, which has been expected for years.
Stating that 5 different workshops were organized for the members to express themselves freely and the decisions taken were quickly implemented, Sağlam said, “We achieved international success with every member of our underwater sports family uniting in a common goal. As the federation management, we were with our members in the field in many regions of our country throughout the season. We listened to them, observed them, and quickly implemented our solution and action plan by taking into account their expectations, suggestions and constructive criticism. We made the arrangements to lower the age of divers from 14 to 12, which has been expected for years. “We have lowered the age to 12. We have made great progress in very important projects related to the execution of our members’ activities and our federation’s data traffic through digital platforms.” he said.
Pointing out that they are one of the largest sports federations in Türkiye, Sağlam concluded his words as follows:
“We have a very large family of athletes. I can already say that we will experience historical milestones in underwater sports next year. Our international successes and historical firsts in the country are the work of all members of our community from all levels, who trust and believe in our federation, as well as myself. I would like to thank all our members from all levels who set their hearts on underwater sports and work hard. I have full faith that we will achieve greater success together next season. Our Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Osman Aşkın, who always supports us on the path to success, our Deputy Minister. “On behalf of our community, I would like to thank Mr. Hamza Yerlikaya, our ministry employees, all administrative and local administrations who support our organizations, and everyone who contributed.”
The prominent achievements of national underwater athletes in 2025 are as follows:
UNDERWATER RGBW:
Junior European Championship: 1 gold, 1 silver
FREE DIVING (POOL):
Senior-Junior World Championship: 1 world record, 4 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze
FINISHED SWIMMING:
Junior World Championships: 1 bronze
European Championship: 1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze in the senior category
Open Water Senior and Junior World Championships: 2 bronze
UNDERWATER HOCKEY:
Senior Intercontinental European-African Championship: 1 gold
UNDERWATER IMAGING:
Photography and Video World Championships: 1 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze