ZAGREB, 4 March (Hina) - The world's largest freediving organisation, World Apnea – AIDA International, has introduced annual awards based on its international ranking, with the inaugural men’s title going to Vitomir Maričić of Rijeka with 860.6 points for 2025.

Petar Klovar, the other half of the Rijeka duo, finished second with 770.5 points. Hakyong Kim of South Korea was third. In the women’s rankings, Zsofia Torocsik of Hungary took first place, ahead of Enchante Gallardo of the United States and Mariko Kaji of Japan.

The award combines results from both depth and pool disciplines, favouring the most versatile all-round freedivers. Maričić and Klovar are world champions in both disciplines. During the 2025 season, Maričić set several national records, while Klovar improved one world record.

The two have recently received honours from Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and the City of Rijeka, and the latest recognition adds to a series of international accolades for them and their club Ocean Rijeka.

Sanda Delija, Petar Klovar and Vitomir Maričić have received wild card invitations for this year's World Championship in Cyprus, where they will compete as part of the Croatian team, ranking among the favourites in their disciplines.