Water polo originated in the late 19th century as a demonstration of strength and swimming skills in England and Scotland. The sport emerged during a time when water sports were popular at county fairs and festivals. The earliest recorded match took place on September 15, 1873, during the 4th Open Air Fete of the London Swimming Club at Crystal Palace. Another significant event occurred on July 13, 1876, in Bournemouth, where a game of water “handball” was played by members of the Premier Rowing Club. This match featured makeshift goals marked by flags in the water, signaling the informal nature of the sport at the time.
The modern game of water polo began to take shape as rules were developed in the late 1800s by William Wilson, the First Baths Master of the Arlington Baths Club in Glasgow. The early version of the sport, initially referred to as “aquatic football,” utilized a rubber ball and allowed for physicality similar to rugby, including wrestling and holding opponents underwater to regain possession. The term “water polo” is derived from the English pronunciation of the Balti word for ball, “pulu.”
In 1900, water polo was included as one of the first team sports in the modern Olympic Games, further solidifying its status as a competitive sport. Over the years, water polo has gained immense popularity, particularly in Europe, with strong traditions in countries such as Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Russia, Italy, Greece, and Spain, as well as in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Today’s water polo matches consist of two teams of seven players (plus up to six substitutes), competing to score goals by throwing a water polo ball, which resembles a soccer ball but is made of airtight nylon. The sport has evolved significantly, with refined rules and techniques that prioritize teamwork, strategy, and swimming prowess, making it a dynamic and exciting competition enjoyed by athletes and fans alike.