Bangladesh Navy swimmer Samiul Islam Rafi made a sensational start to the 35th National Swimming, Diving and Water Polo Championship, setting four new national records in just two days at the Syed Nazrul Islam National Swimming Complex in Mirpur, Dhaka.
After breaking the men's 50m backstroke record on the opening day, Rafi continued his record-breaking run on the second day, setting three more national marks, including individual records in the men's 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle.
The Navy swimmer clocked 25.81 seconds in the men's 50m backstroke to better his previous national record of 26.05 seconds, set in 2025.
He then clocked 24.98 seconds in the men's 50m butterfly, improving his previous record of 25.15 seconds, before setting another national record in the men's 100m freestyle with a time of 51.80 seconds, bettering the previous mark of 52.42 seconds.
Rafi completed his four-record haul by helping Bangladesh Navy's mixed 4x100m medley relay team, alongside Mohammad Islam, Mukta Khatun and Fatiha Mahtab Maisha, clock 4:20.36 to improve the Navy's previous record of 4:24.55.
Rafi has also won four gold medals so far in the competition, capping an impressive individual performance.
His achievements followed an impressive outing at the 2026 Thailand Age Group Swimming Championships (25m) – Open/Senior Group G, where he won two gold and one bronze medal.
The second day of the national championship also witnessed several other record-breaking performances. A total of 14 new national records were established across swimming and diving events during the first two days, with six set on the opening day and eight on the second.
Organised by the Bangladesh Swimming Federation with sponsorship from Max Group, the October 28-31 championship features around 470 male and 102 female swimmers representing approximately 79 teams.
