Ten teams vie for Kuching Invitational Water Polo Cup win
KUCHING: The first-ever Kuching Invitational Water Polo Cup event has attracted Under16 teams not only from the country, but also from Indonesia, Singapore and Taiwan.
Organised by the Power Aquatics Swimming Club (PASC), the ongoing competition is taking place at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre until Sunday.
The participating national teams are the Power Aquatics Swimming Club, Srikl Sharkies Water Polo Team, Tridents Negeri Sembilan and WMWP KL, while the visitors are the Taiwan Water Polo Team, Kusuma Harapan Indonesia, 28 Degree Aquatic Singapore, Acube Water Polo Singapore, Chinese Swimming Club Singapore, and Pacer Water Polo Academy Singapore.
“This event is a huge celebration for aquatic sports. For the first time, a Women’s Open and Men’s Under-16 water polo championships will take place in Kuching.
“I would like to thank the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and all those who have helped and supported in organising this event,” said organising chairman Voon Yong Hui.
Members of the public are welcome to watch the events, running from 7am to 6pm daily.
According to Voon, the objective of the event is to revive the glory days of water polo in Sarawak.
“Water polo is no longer active in Sarawak due to lack of support from the relevant authorities, which is why Sarawak is far behind the rest in Malaysia.”
Despite such setback, Voon was optimistic about the future of the sport in the state.
“Although water polo is a demanding sport, it is not as dangerous as many may perceive.
“Water polo is a team sport, and it is best described as a combination of swimming, football, basketball, ice hockey, rugby and wrestling.
“Water polo provides a wonderful complement to the sport of swimming.
“The game helps to build swimming strength and endurance.
“It also provides an excellent opportunity to stay in shape when you are learning to swim and works as a much-needed break from the rigours of competitive swim-training.
“Water polo helps maintain an interest in swimming for some athletes who otherwise, may choose to quit the sport,” added Voon.