World Aquatics Championships 2025 is a few weeks away from taking place in Singapore and countries are ready with their squads.
The 2025 World Aquatics Championships will run from July 11 to August 3 at the World Aquatics Championships Arena (WCH Arena) at the Singapore Sports Hub.
China officially announced its roster for the Championships on Friday, that features multiple Olympic champions and rising stars across swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo, and open water events.
Leading The Charge At 2025 World Aquatics Championships
Leading the 34-member swimming squad is Pan Zhanle, the 20-year-old sensation who clinched Olympic gold and shattered the 100m freestyle world record in Paris. Having already claimed four golds at the 2024 World Championships in Doha, Pan returns to the global stage with high hopes.
“This event holds special memories for me,” Pan said. “I want to deliver my best in the 100m freestyle final.”
Veterans including Wang Shun (31), competing in his eighth World Championships, and Olympic medalists Zhang Yufei, Xu Jiayu, and Qin Haiyang provide experience and leadership. Head coach Cui Denrong emphasized the strategic balance of youth and experience.
“This is our first major international event since the Olympics. We’re using it to build experience for both young athletes and new coaches,” Cui said. “While some swimmers are in good form, we believe their peak is still ahead.”
Diving Team Seeks Continued Dominance
China’s diving squad, long dubbed the “Dream Team,” features 14 athletes competing in 13 events. Olympic gold medalists Chen Yuxi, Chen Yiwen, Cao Yuan, and Wang Zongyuan headline the team.
However, Quan Hongchan, a two-time Olympic champion, will miss the event after withdrawing from national trials in May due to injury. Chang Yani, fresh off her synchronized gold in Paris, is also absent. In their place, rising talents Zhang Minjie and Chen Jia step in after standout performances in the 2024 Diving World Cup.
Rising Stars
China’s artistic swimming team, fresh off a historic showing in Paris that included golds in duet and team events, is bringing 13 athletes across 11 events. Olympic champions Wang Liuyi and Wang Qianyi are currently resting post-Games, allowing young twins Lin Yanhan and Lin Yanjun to debut on the world stage.
The squad at the World Aquatics Championships 2025 also includes Paris Olympians Feng Yu, Chang Hao, Xiang Binxuan, and Cheng Wentao, as well as Guo Muye, one of the emerging male artistic swimmers in the country.
China recently dominated the World Cup Super Final in June, taking home seven golds, three silvers, and one bronze — a testament to the squad’s depth and momentum heading into Singapore.
Also Read: How Singapore Is Gearing Up To Host World Aquatics Championships 2025
Open Water and Water Polo
China’s open water team will feature six swimmers competing in seven events, while both the men’s and women’s water polo teams will field 15 athletes each, with matches beginning on the tournament’s opening day, July 11.
Eye On LA 2028
With the Paris Olympics just behind and the 2028 Los Angeles Games on the horizon, China is using the 2025 World Championships to lay the groundwork for its next wave of aquatic talent. The message from team leadership is clear: the present is strong, but the focus is firmly on the future.
