Event Overview: India's first officially selected freediving team competed at the World Apnea 2026 Pool Championships in Budapest, Hungary, earning eight white cards across four pool disciplines – Dynamic Bi‑Fins (DYNB), Dynamic No Fins (DNF), Static Apnea (STA) and Dynamic Apnea (DYN).
Athlete Performances: Vachan H.U. obtained three white cards and set two national records; Archana Thiagarajan secured two white cards and one national record; Akshay Thatte earned three white cards; Archana Sankaranarayanan earned one white card, set one national record, and became the first Indian appointed as an Assistant Judge at a Freediving World Championship.
Support and Recognition: The team was congratulated by Ambassador Anshuman Gaur, received a felicitation at the Indian Embassy cultural centre, and was sponsored by Kraken Planet, which supplied carbon fins. Retired Squadron Leader Shanmukha Reddy provided mentorship throughout the competition.
Organizational Context: The Freediving Association of India, an observing member of AIDA International, aims to develop freediving in India, organise national competitions, facilitate athlete participation in international events, and nurture talent to represent India on the world stage.
