RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Bali has strengthened its position as a global sports tourism destination after hosting the Oceanman Bali open-water swimming event, which brought athletes and recreational swimmers to Kedonganan Beach from June 19 to 21, 2026.

Local tourism officials said the international competition highlighted Bali's appeal as both a sporting venue and a travel destination, while introducing the island's coastal attractions to a wider global audience.

"We highly appreciate the organizers and all parties who contributed to the successful staging of Oceanman Bali 2026," Badung Tourism Agency Head A.A. Putri Mas Agung said in a statement on Monday, June 22, as quoted by Antara.

She described Oceanman Bali as an important initiative supporting tourism in Badung and promoting the beauty of Bali's marine environment internationally.

"We hope Oceanman will continue to grow, deliver even better events in the future, and attract more participants from various countries in the years ahead," she said.

The competition welcomed both professional athletes and amateur swimmers across three main categories: the 2-kilometer Ocean Sprint, 5-kilometer Half Oceanman, and 10-kilometer Oceanman race. Additional events included Oceankids and Oceanfins competitions.

Beyond competition, organizers said the event was designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and raise environmental awareness among participants and local communities.

Participant Dani Darmawan described the race atmosphere as lively, noting the increasing number of newcomers joining the event this year.

"Although the waves in the middle of the course were quite challenging, the experience became even more enjoyable because we encouraged each other and fought together throughout the race," Dani said. ***