Summer Games Water Polo

Water Polo – Summer Games 2024

Water polo sees two teams of twelve players, seven on the pitch, battling it out in a pool of 30m by 25m for men and 25m by 20m for women, which is at least two meters deep. Matches are divided into four periods of eight minutes each. Apart from the goalkeeper, the players may only touch the ball one hand at a time and contact is only permitted with players who have the ball. Possession lasts for 30 seconds. If the team has not attacked at the end of these 30 seconds, the ball passes to the opponent.

Schedule


Session Code	Date	Type	Section Description
WPO01	27/7	Qual	W - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO02	27/7	Qual	W - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO03	28/7	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO04	28/7	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO05	28/7	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO06	29/7	Qual	W - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO07	29/7	Qual	W - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO08	30/7	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO09	30/7	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO10	30/7	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO11	31/7	Qual	W - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO12	31/7	Qual	W - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO13	01/8	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO14	01/8	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO15	01/8	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO16	02/8	Qual	W - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO17	02/8	Qual	W - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO18	03/8	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO19	03/8	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO20	03/8	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO21	04/8	Qual	W - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO22	04/8	Qual	W - Preliminary Round (2 matches)
WPO23	05/8	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (3 matches)
WPO24	05/8	Qual	M - Preliminary Round (3 matches)
WPO25	06/8	Qual	W - 1/4 Final (2 matches)
WPO26	06/8	Qual	W - 1/4 Final (2 matches)
WPO27	07/8	Qual	M - 1/4 Final (2 matches)
WPO28	07/8	Qual	M - 1/4 Final (2 matches)
WPO29	08/8	Qual	W - Classification & Semi-final
WPO30	08/8	Qual	W - Classification & Semi-final
WPO31	09/8	Qual	M - Classification & Semi-final
WPO32	09/8	Qual	M - Classification & Semi-final
WPO33	10/8	Medal	W - Classification & Bronze
WPO34	10/8	Medal	M - Classification W - Classification & Final
WPO35	11/8	Medal	M - Classification & Bronze
WPO36	11/8	Medal	M - Final

Records

Most Gold Medals - Men's Water Polo:

Hungary holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals in men's water polo. The Hungarian men's team has been incredibly successful, winning numerous gold medals, including a streak of three consecutive victories from 2000 to 2008.
Most Gold Medals - Women's Water Polo:

The United States has been dominant in women's water polo, with the U.S. women's team winning multiple gold medals, including in 2012 and 2016.

General Water Polo Records:

Olympic Debut:

Water polo made its Olympic debut at the Paris 1900 Summer Games. It has been a consistent part of the Olympic program since then.

Men's and Women's Events:

Both men's and women's water polo events are part of the Olympic program. Teams compete in a round-robin format, followed by knockout rounds leading to the medal matches.

Did you know that..

Water polo is known for its physicality and strategic gameplay. Played in a pool, teams of seven players each (six field players and one goalkeeper) aim to score goals by throwing the ball into the opposing team's net. The sport requires a combination of swimming skills, strength, and tactical awareness.
Hungary is widely regarded as a powerhouse in men's water polo, boasting a remarkable history of success. The Hungarian men's team has secured numerous gold medals, establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in the sport.