Water Polo: India’s Aquatic Revival

Water polo has been a lesser-known sport in India, but the tides are turning. The sport is making a comeback, especially after India’s men’s team clinched the gold medal at the 2024 South Asian Water Polo Championships in Colombo. Led by captain Varun Desai, the Indian team defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final, rekindling national interest in the sport.

The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) is reviving water polo by introducing it in schools and colleges, encouraging more youth participation. Maharashtra and West Bengal, states with a strong tradition in swimming, are seeing a resurgence of water polo, with local competitions drawing increased participation. Universities across India are also setting up water polo teams, hoping to boost the sport’s profile in the country.

Although infrastructure remains a challenge, particularly access to pools, the increased investment from local sports organizations is making a difference. Water polo is also receiving media attention, with more broadcast coverage and online streaming of matches, bringing it back into the spotlight. With more competitions being organized and the talent pool expanding, water polo is experiencing a revival in India’s aquatic sports arena.