International freedivers set 7 national records at the second event of Apnea Pirates AIDA Cup 2024 in Dubai

Competition sees the UAE’s Mohamed Aljneibi achieve a new best distance in Dynamic apnea with bifins, Alhadoom Almheiri a new best depth in Constant weight without fins and Yasmin Baker a new best depth in Constant weight with fins.

The second stage of the Apnea Pirates AIDA Cup 2024 concluded as a resounding success, uniting a passionate community of freediving enthusiasts hailing from 10 countries around the world. The event, the second in a series of four, taking place this year, witnessed multiple record-breaking performances, with 7 new national records set.

Organised by Freediving UAE and authorised by both the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA) in the UAE and Dubai Sports Council, the four-day event was held at some of Dubai’s top watersports venues: the Hamdan Sports Complex for the pool disciplines, and the world’s deepest pool, Deep Dive Dubai, for the depth disciplines.

The competition witnessed exceptional feats of athletic prowess across all the disciplines: static apnea, dynamic apnea with and without fins, constant weight with and without fins, and free immersion. The 7 national records were set by:

• Dynamic with bi-fins – 204 m Mohamed Aljneibi (UAE)
• Dynamic with bi-fins – 113 m Bux Khurana (IND)
• Dynamic no fins – 93 m Mohd Al Hermii (BRN)
• Constant weight with fins – 40 m Bux Khurana (IND)
• Constant weight without fins – 29 m Alhadoom Almheiri (UAE)
• Constant weight without fins – 30 m Vijaya Arunaimaran (IND)
• Constant weight with fins – 25 m Yasmin Baker (ARE)

Commenting on the announcement, Yuriy Rakhmatullin, AIDA Master Instructor, PADI Freediving Instructor, Molchanovs Instructor, Apnea Academy Instructor, EFR Instructor, AIDA UAE Board Member, AIDA Judge B Level, and Owner of Freediving UAE, said: “Each stage of the Apnea Pirates AIDA Cup is a new exploration of discipline and endurance of freedivers from around the world. The dedication and passion of the athletes are a testament to the captivating sport that is freediving, and we are proud to facilitate these events where they can showcase their incredible abilities. Many thanks to all the participants and our gratitude to the partners, judges, volunteers and spectators for making this event such a resounding success.”

This was the second event this year, with the next two stages planned for September and November. Based on the results of each stage, participants earn points towards the ultimate prize of the Apnea Pirates AIDA Cup 2024 trophy, which will be awarded after the fourth and final event, alongside the recognition of the top three performing male and female athletes in each discipline.

For more information, visit @FreedivingUAE on social media channels and freedivinguae.com.

About Freediving UAE

Freediving UAE is the leading school for freediving, nurturing and advancing the sport in the UAE. Under its community wing, Apnea Pirates, it fosters an inclusive environment for freedivers to train, compete and share their passion.