Water polo, a sport with a rich history in India, is witnessing a resurgence thanks to renewed interest and investment. The 2024 South Asian Water Polo Championships in Colombo saw India’s men’s team win gold, defeating long-time rivals Sri Lanka in a nail-biting final. Led by captain Amit Patel, the Indian team’s victory has reignited enthusiasm for water polo, a sport that had largely been neglected in recent years.

The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) has been instrumental in the sport’s revival, organizing national championships and encouraging more youth participation. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have strong water polo traditions, with aquatic centers offering training and competitions for both school and university-level teams.

Water polo is now being promoted as part of India’s broader initiative to improve its standing in international aquatic sports. The inclusion of water polo in the Asian Games has given Indian athletes a new platform to showcase their talents. Despite challenges like limited infrastructure, the sport is growing in popularity, and India is positioning itself as a strong contender in future regional and international competitions.