World Aquatics today announced that Bahrain will host the first stop of the highly anticipated High Diving World Cup 2024, to take place from 21 to 22 September. It will mark the first time a high diving competition and a World Aquatics event will have been held in the Kingdom.

Supported by GFH Financial Group, one of the most recognised financial groups in the Gulf region, 50 of the world’s best male and female high divers will meet in what promises to be a great showcase for this spectacular aquatics sport.

Bahrain offers a rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, all among a beautiful coastline and iconic architecture. Plans for the event notably draw from this coastal identity. The competition will be held in Manama, with the diving platforms rising 27 meters high against the city’s stunning skyline. Fans and stakeholders alike are promised an unforgettable experience at every turn.

Adding to the stakes for the competition, it has been confirmed that the stop in Bahrain will serve as a qualification tournament for the World Aquatics Championships - Singapore 2025.

World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam expressed his excitement over the plans for the event and also the long-term aquatics agenda in Bahrain: 

World Aquatics is thrilled to be bringing high divers to Bahrain for the first time, building on the recent establishment of the World Aquatics centre of excellence at the University of Technology Bahrain. The future for aquatics sport in Bahrain looks very bright and is clearly set to have a global impact.
By World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam

He added; “I extend a heartfelt thank you to the Bahrain Olympic Committee, the GFH Financial Group and the Bahrain Swimming Federation for their continued commitment to the development of aquatics sports. Through their visionary initiatives, they have played a pivotal role in promoting the growth of aquatics disciplines in the region and fostering a culture of excellence”.

His highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee also outlined the importance of this event to be hosted in Bahrain: 

The Kingdom of Bahrain is very excited to welcome the world to Manama for this thrill seeking event. We look forward to watching these athletes compete for a spot in the World Aquatics Championships against the sky line of the Bahrain Financial Harbor and city sights.
By His highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee

His Highness added; "In the past, Bahrain has mainly focused on swimming, but as we know, World Aquatics is more than just swimming. Hosting this championship will definitely create awareness in the community to one day have Bahrainis compete in the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup"

Canadian high diver, Molly Carlson said; 

“I am so excited to be competing in Bahrain for the High Diving World Cup and to have this date and place to look forward to. Each competition brings its own unique energy and atmosphere. We always love to compete in, and experience, new places and then share those things with our fans. With this being the first stop in the competition this year, the anticipation will be high too!”
By Canadian high diver, Molly Carlson

Aidan Heslop, British high diver who was recently crowned men’s high dive champion said; 

After the success of the World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024, I can’t wait to get back to that part of the world. It’s a great place to compete in and it will be all the more special for sharing the experience among this community of athletes that I’ve really come to appreciate.
By British high diver, Aidan Heslop

About World Aquatics:

Driven by the vision of a world united by water for health, life and sport, World Aquatics is the international governing body for aquatic sports. Founded in 1908, World Aquatics is an independent organisation formed of 210 National Member Federations and five Continental Associations.

World Aquatics oversees six aquatic sports – swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming and high diving – and is recognised as the leading global authority of these sports by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

About The Bahrain Olympic Committee: 

The Bahrain National Olympic Committee (BOC) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Established in 1979, the BOC is a non-governmental, autonomous corporate legal entity, encompassing all national sports federations and associations in Bahrain.

About GFH Financial Group B.S.C.:

GFH Financial Group is one of the most recognised financial groups in the Gulf region. Its businesses include Investment Management, Commercial Banking and Treasury & Proprietary Investments, with assets and funds under management exceeding US$19 billion dollars. The Group’s operations are principally focused across the GCC, North Africa and India, along with strategic investment in the U.S., Europe and the U.K. GFH is listed in Bahrain Bourse, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Boursa Kuwait and Dubai Financial Market. For more information, please visit www.gfh.com.

 

Media Contacts:

World Aquatics
Torin Koos
Communication Manager
Tel: +41 21 310 47 10
Email: torin.koos@worldaquatics.com
Website: www.worldaquatics.com  

GFH Financial Group
Nawal Al-Naji
Senior Manager - Corporate Communications
Tel: +973 17538538
Email: nalnaji@gfh.com
Website: www.gfh.com

Bahrain Olympic Committee
Mai Albinkhalil
Head of Marketing and Promotions
Tel: +973 17176613
Email: malbinkhalil@boc.bh
Website: www.boc.bh