European Aquatics is delighted to announce that Eindhoven has been selected as the host city for the 2028 European Aquatics Women Water Polo Championships. This decision highlights Eindhoven’s reputation for sporting excellence and innovation as well as the commitment of our member federation, the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation (KNZB) to developing the sport of aquatics.
“On behalf of European Aquatics, I am delighted to congratulate Eindhoven and the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation on being selected to host the 2028 European Water Polo Championships,” said European Aquatics President Antonio Silva.
“This event will not only promote gender equality and elevate women’s water polo, but also inspire youth participation through dedicated educational programmes.
“We are confident that the Championships will strengthen grassroots water polo and leave a legacy in the region.
“I would like to sincerely thank our partners in the Netherlands for once again demonstrating their unwavering commitment to hosting outstanding European Aquatics events and advancing our sport’s values across the continent.”
The Netherlands has a rich water polo tradition, and the Dutch women’s national team has continued to excel on the international stage in recent years.
The team won gold at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, claimed European titles at the 2024 Women’s European Water Polo Championships in Eindhoven as well as defending that title in Funchal earlier this year, and they secured the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“Following the successful organisation of the 2024 European Women’s Water Polo Championships, we are extremely proud that European Aquatics has once again placed its trust in Eindhoven and the Netherlands to host a major international water polo event,” added Hayke Veldman, President of the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation.
“With the 2028 European Women’s Water Polo Championships, we are not only bringing Europe’s best teams to the Netherlands, but also creating a unique platform for women’s sport, talent development and social impact.
“For our athletes, hosting a European Championships at home provides a special opportunity to perform in front of their own fans on the road to the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
“At the same time, we want this event to inspire new generations to discover water polo and aquatic sports.
“Together with our partners we aim to deliver a Championships that creates a lasting impact both in sport and in society.”
Eindhoven offers:
- The 2028 Championships will be staged at the renovated Pieter van den Hoogenband Swimming Stadium in Eindhoven, the same venue that successfully hosted the 2012 European Men’s and Women’s Water Polo Championships and the 2024 European Women’s Water Polo Championships. Building on that experience, the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation, the City of Eindhoven, BrabantSport and other stakeholders aim to deliver a championship that combines elite competition with innovation, fan engagement and social impact, while further strengthening the position of women’s water polo in Europe.
- Accessibility: The city boasts excellent transport links, modern infrastructure, and a wide range of accommodation, making it easily accessible for teams and visitors from across Europe.
The 2028 Championships aims to:
- Promote gender equality and elevate women’s water polo.
- Inspire youth participation through educational programs and clinics.
- Strengthen grassroots water polo and leave a legacy in the region.
