The city of Dar es Salaam has been gripped by swimming fever as more than 150 swimmers from over 18 clubs across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar began competing in the 2026 National Open Swimming Championships.
The two-day competition officially got underway today, September 12, 2026, at the swimming pool of Monti International School in Mikocheni, and is scheduled to conclude tomorrow, September 13.
The championships are part of the annual calendar of the Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA), providing swimmers from across the country with an opportunity to test their abilities and compete for top honours in various swimming events.
Speaking to journalists during the championships, TSA Chairman Engineer David Mwansyoge said he was pleased with the strong response from clubs and swimmers.
Mwansyoge said the high level of participation reflects the growing interest and competitiveness of swimming in Tanzania, adding that the championships also serve as an important platform for swimmers to assess their form and prepare for major upcoming African and international competitions.
Meanwhile, TSA Competitions Secretary Frank Lusewa said the association's competitions committee will closely monitor the talent displayed by swimmers during the championships to ensure promising athletes are identified, protected and developed.
Lusewa said nurturing emerging talent is crucial to building a strong generation of swimmers capable of representing Tanzania at international competitions.
For his part, Monti Swimming Club coach Rodry Mazzuki expressed satisfaction with the level of competition, saying his club is ready to showcase the quality and potential of its swimmers.
The championships will continue tomorrow, with the final day expected to produce more intense competition as swimmers battle for honours across the remaining events.