The UAE is looking to capitalise on the legacy created by hosting world-class aquatic events as the best eight teams in the globe descend upon Dubai to take part in the FINA Water Polo World League Men’s Super Final.
The Super Final is the biggest water polo event to ever be staged in the Emirates and the Hamdan Sports Complex will witness the very best in the sport battle it out for the next six days, looking to capture the World League title.
Eight countries have fought their way through the qualifying rounds to compete in the Super Final in Dubai, where the winner will run away with the title as well as a cool $100,000 (Dh367,000) cheque.
Organised by the UAE Swimming Federation in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council and FINA, the world’s governing body for aquatic sport, the Super Final is part of the country’s plan to develop water polo amongst the Emirati youth.
“The legacy of hosting these events is that we have seen tremendous growth in the interest and participation in all aquatic disciplines in Dubai and the UAE. These events not only provide great entertainment for the public but inspire our children to become involved,” said Khuwaiter Al Dhaheri, the assistant general secretary of the UAE Swimming Federation. “We are working on developing water polo at club level and forming a UAE team, so this event is good to show the children what top class water polo is like.”
The three medallists from last year’s World League will again appear in the Super Final.
Reigning champions Serbia, silver medallists Hungary, and bronze medallists Montenegro will take on Australia, USA, Brazil, China and Canada from today until June 21 June at the Hamdan Sports Complex.
This week, Hungary will be considered one of the heavy favourites, considering they are the current world champions, but their head coach Tibor Benedek is wary of the Serbian team, who are five time champions at the event (twice more as Serbia and Montenegro).
“Serbia will be hard to beat,” said Benedek, a former Hungarian international who has won three Olympic gold medals. “They have won this competition many times. But we are playing well and this tournament is very important to us.”
Another legendary figure, Ratko Rudic is also in town as head coach of Brazil, who are looking to use the Croat’s wealth of experience to shoot for the podium at their home Rio Olympics in 2016.
Rudic, who said he was impressed by the spectacular Hamdan Sports Complex, is aware of Europe’s dominance in world water polo but is hoping his team can pull off an upset.
“The World League is good for developing water polo as it brings together the best in Europe with the rest of the world,” said Rudic, who has won four Olympic gold medals with three different national teams. “Brazil is building towards the Olympics in 2016 and this is a very important event for us to evaluate our performances.
“The results here for us are not as important as the quality of the games. We are the students and the European teams the teachers, but sometimes the students can surprise the teachers.”
Tickets to all the action at the FINA Water Polo World League Super Final will be available at the door at the Hamdan Sports Complex on Emirates Road.
They cost Dh40 for general entry and are free for children under 12.
TEAMS
Serbia
The defending champions are the hot favourites having won seven gold medals since 2002. They won Olympic bronze in 2008 and 2012.
Hungary
They are the runners-up from last year’s event, are the reigning world champions and have won nine Olympic gold medals.
Montenegro
Won the World League as an independent nation in 2009, took silver in 2010, bronze last year. Are 2013 World Championship runners-up.
Brazil
Coached by legendary Croat Ratko Rudic. Defeated China, Kazakhstan and Australia in the Super Final qualifying tournament to take silver.
USA
Placed fourth in the World League last year. Led by head coach Dejan Udovicic, the Americans are the youngest team present in Dubai.
Australia
Appointed former Croatian star player Elvis Fatovic as head coach in January last year. Took bronze at the Super Final qualifying tournament.
China
Placed sixth in last year’s Super Final – which was their best result in an international competition. Are coached by Brazil’s Ricardo Azevedo.
Canada
Join Hungary, USA and Australia in Group B. Canada edged Kazakhstan in a tight 9-8 victory to earn the last Super Final berth in qualifying
