Murshidabad, Sept. 6 -- The 80th edition of the World's Longest National Open Water Swimming Competition 2026 was held at 5 AM on Sunday from Ahiran Ganga Ghat in Murshidabad. The 81-kilometre event, billed as the world's longest swimming competition, featured 27 male and female participants from several states, including Maharashtra, as well as Bangladesh.

A separate 19-kilometre swimming competition is scheduled to begin at 2 PM later today from Jiyaganj Sadar Ghat. Both events have been organised by the Murshidabad District Swimming Association.

Speaking to ANI, a 13-year-old participant from Maharashtra, Vidhi Bhor, said she was excited to be the youngest participant in the 81-km competition and aims to complete it within 12 hours a...