Water polo, which dates back to 1900, is one of the oldest Olympic sports. The women's event, on the other hand, was introduced in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Men and women will compete in Tokyo on July 23. Yet, many people are unfamiliar with the sport of water polo and its regulations, despite the sport's history.
Water polo is a pool-based activity that is just as enjoyable as swimming. To win, two teams of seven players must pass, catch, and shoot. It's a tie if, after four quarters of eight minutes, the side with the most goals wins. There are times when the game is frantic and frenetic, with shots regularly reaching speeds of 70km/h.
Hungary have won 15 medals at the Olympics, including nine golds and three consecutive golds in 2000, 2004, and 2008. The USA men's team has won six medals in its existence, but they are yet to claim gold. American women's team, on the other hand, have medalled in every Olympics since their inception, winning two gold medals in the last two games alone.
How deep is a water polo pool in the Olympics?
A general view of an Olympic water polo pool. (Getty)
Players must not let their feet contact the bottom of the pool, which is two meters deep. 1.8 to 2 meters of depth prohibit swimmers from contacting or pushing off the bottom of the pool.
It is forbidden for swimmers to touch or grip the ropes that mark the lanes. They may not push off of them (or any wall for that matter) at any time. In men's tournaments, the pool is 30 meters long between the goals; for women, it is 25 meters. The pool is 20 meters in width.
Two floating goals, one at either end of the playing area, are available to players. It is normally flat on the front and features a net. In terms of size, it is 3 x.9 meters in size.
see also
Olympic Games: The United States medals in Tokyo 2020
