Water polo is over a century old. Throughout its history, it has grown and expanded thanks to the success of the sport at major events.
OLYMPIC WATER POLO
Water polo has been part of the Summer Olympics since 1900. It was one of the first team sports in the Olympics but didn’t stage a women’s tournament until a century later. The Olympics is still the most popular water polo event on the planet.
WATER POLO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The Water Polo World Championship is a biannual tournament that’s a part of the FINA World Aquatics Championships. FINA is an organisation recognised by the Olympics as the authority on water sports. Its men’s division began in 1973, followed by a women’s division in 1986.
WATER POLO WORLD CUP
Established in 1979, the Water Polo World Cup is a subsidiary of FINA. It features competitors from over a dozen different countries in a run for gold, silver and bronze medals. It is held every four years, in between the Summer Olympics.
FINA WATER POLO WORLD LEAGUE
The FINA Water Polo World League was the first international league of its kind. Founded in 2002, this competition runs from winter to June every year. It began as a response to the world’s interest in the sport following the women’s Olympic debut in 2000.
EUROPEAN WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIP
The European-specific affiliate of FINA is the Ligue Européenne de Natation (LEN). This organisation runs the European Water Polo Championship bi-annually. This competition includes both men’s and women’s divisions. It was founded in 1926.