Samiul strikes gold at Malaysian open swimming championship
This marks Samiul’s third international medal in just one month. In the first week of April, he earned bronze in the 100m backstroke and silver in the 50m backstroke at the Thai Open Swimming Championship.
Samiul Islam has clinched the gold medal at the Malaysian Open Swimming Championship, winning the 50m backstroke event. The Bangladeshi swimmer outpaced Singapore's Daniel Williams and Malaysia's Jeff Yeong to claim first place, clocking a time of 26.68 seconds—his personal best in the event and his first-ever international gold.
This marks Samiul's third international medal in just one month. In the first week of April, he earned bronze in the 100m backstroke and silver in the 50m backstroke at the Thai Open Swimming Championship.
The Malaysian Open, which began on 24 April in Kuala Lumpur and will continue until 27 April, features participants from nearly 30 countries, including hosts Malaysia, as well as India, Pakistan, the Maldives, Denmark, the USA, Mexico, Tajikistan, Indonesia, and Ghana. The championship includes both senior and junior swimmers.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
On the first day of the competition, Samiul finished eighth in the 100m freestyle, fourth in the 100m backstroke, and fifth in the 50m butterfly. Although he didn't secure a medal in these events, he managed a career-best time of 58.48 seconds in the 100m backstroke, improving on his previous best of 58.90.
Samiul is currently training in Thailand under a scholarship from World Aquatics (formerly FINA), receiving advanced coaching and participating in international competitions. After competing at the Thai Open on 5 April, he now continues his international journey at the Malaysian Open.
Samiul and Annie Akter are set to represent Bangladesh at the upcoming World Swimming Championships in Singapore from 11 July to 3 August. Their events will take place between 25 July and 3 August, with Samiul competing in the 50m and 100m backstroke, and Annie in the 50m and 100m freestyle.
At just 21 years old, Samiul is already recognised as one of Bangladesh's most promising swimmers. In the 2023 National Swimming Championship, he claimed three gold medals while setting a new national record. At last year's 33rd National Championship, representing the Bangladesh Navy, he won five gold medals and a bronze in the men's category.
