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Key Points

It was a disappointing start for India in the water polo competitions at the Asian Aquatics Championships. Both the men's and women's teams suffered convincing defeats to Singapore in their opening matches. The men lost 20-8 despite taking an early lead, while the women fell 23-10 in their Group A encounter. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan dominated the artistic swimming events with Viktor Druzin and Karina Magrupova claiming gold medals in the solo technical competitions.

Key Points: India Water Polo Teams Lose Opening Asian Championships Matches

  • Indian men's team lost 20-8 to Singapore despite taking early lead
  • Women's team suffered 23-10 defeat with Yap Jingxuan scoring seven goals
  • Singapore captains Rajandra Sanjiv and See Tien Ee scored four goals each
  • Kazakhstan's Viktor Druzin and Karina Magrupova won artistic swimming gold medals
3 min read

Indian teams falter in opening water polo matches in Asian Aquatics Championships

Both Indian men's and women's water polo teams suffer defeats to Singapore in their opening Asian Aquatics Championships 2025 matches in Ahmedabad.

"Singapore defeated India 20-8 - Match Report"

Ahmedabad, Oct 4

It was a tough outing for the Indian water polo teams as both the men and women suffered opening-day defeats to Singapore in the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships 2025, which entered a lively new phase with water polo and artistic swimming action lighting up the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex here on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Viktor Druzin and Karina Magrupova secured gold medals in the Men’s and Women’s Solo Technical, respectively.

In the Men’s Group B clash, Singapore defeated India 20-8. The hosts made a bright start by taking the early lead, but a string of stray passes and fouls allowed Singapore to take control and steadily build a commanding advantage. Captain Rajandra Sanjiv and See Tien Ee were the standout performers for Singapore, scoring four goals apiece.

Goh Wen Zhe chipped in with three, while Loh Cayden, Chan Dominic, and Lok Shunn bagged two each. Chow Yong added one to complete the tally. For India, Sarang Ravindra and Praveen Gopinathan struck twice each, while Bhagesh Jagdish, Uday Uttekar, Ankit Prasad, and Vibhav Suhas Kuthe scored one goal each.

The Women’s Group A contest followed a similar pattern, with Singapore powering to a 23-10 victory over India. Singapore’s attack was led by Yap Jingxuan, who delivered a stunning seven-goal performance. Koh Ting, Lee Xuan, and Koh Xiao contributed four goals each, while Tio Ji netted three, and captain Yeo Zhi Min added one. For India, Krisha Purokatastha top-scored with three goals. Kripa Ranichithra followed with two, while Sefwa Sakeer, Captain Varsha Suresh, Kalautri Mitra, Dhruthi Karthikeya, and Madhurami Shanti each got on the scoresheet with one goal apiece.

Thailand secured a narrow 14-12 win over Kazakhstan in Women’s Group B. Kwantongtanaree Thanidakarn led the charge with six goals, supported by Puangtong Kritsana (4) and Kongchouy Thnita and Rueangsappaisan Raksina (2 each). For Kazakhstan, captain Mirshina Anastassiya top-scored with five, while Vorontsova Olga (3), Rakhmanova Madina (2), and Pochinok Darya and Kaplun Viktoriya (1 each) added to the tally.

Iran registered a 14-9 win over China with a balanced attack in Men’s Group A.

Shams Arman netted three goals, while Aghaei Karim, Behzadsabouri Farbod, captain Yazdankhah Mehndi, and Jalilpour Amirreza scored two each. Mehrikohneshahri Alireza, Iranpourtari Ashkan, and Sadrnia Seyederfan added one apiece. For China, Zhu Beile led with four goals, followed by Zhu Gengmin (2), Wang Beiyi, captain Chen Yimin, and Cai Yuhao with one each.

Men’s Group B also witnessed Japan overpower Thailand 24-12. Captain Ura Enishi scored eight goals, while Moriya Yuki scored five. Lowery Jun and Shoyama Yu struck three apiece, Maeda Toshiyuki and Sakamaki Naru scored two each, and Yamamoto Ryotaro added one. For Thailand, Chainiyom Phongsathon led with six goals, followed by captain Chompoosang Pattanit and Kaewmanee Suteenan (2 each), with Kaewanee Chanoknan and Klinhom Supakorn adding one apiece.

Artistic Swimming

Men’s Solo Technical: Viktor Druzin (Kazakhstan) 228.1708; Eduard Kim (Kazakhstan) 223.5584; Remma Furuuchi (Japan) 206.8675

Women’s Solo Technical: Karina Magrupova (Kazakhstan) 240.1600; Sabina Makhmudova (Uzbekistan) 222.1600; Yasmina Islamova (Kazakhstan) 204.0066.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Water polo isn't as popular as cricket or hockey in India, so our teams are doing well just to compete at this level. The players showed fighting spirit - Krisha Purokatastha scoring 3 goals is commendable! 🏊‍♀️
A
Arjun K
The article mentions "stray passes and fouls" as the main issue. This is basic stuff that should be sorted at training camps. With proper funding and infrastructure, we can definitely improve. Sports Authority should focus on these less popular sports too.
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Sarah B
Good to see water polo getting coverage in Indian media! The Asian Championships are a great platform for exposure. Hope our teams learn from these matches and come back stronger 💪
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Michael C
Respectfully, we need to be honest about the performance gap. Singapore isn't even a water polo powerhouse, yet they dominated both matches. Our sports federations need to invest more in proper coaching and international exposure for aquatic sports.
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Kavya N
At least the tournament is happening in Ahmedabad! Great to see international sports events in our cities. The players will gain valuable experience playing against top Asian teams. Better luck next time! 🤞

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