The city of Istanbul in Türkiye is ready to host the first European Water Polo Championships of this summer’s age-group continental showcases. The action-packed calendar features four elite tournaments and two division one meets – with the first being the Women’s U16 Europeans, which starts on Friday.
Water polo is set to join the feast of events which is set to turn this upcoming weekend into one of the busiest for European Aquatics. The best young swimmers (U23 in Samorin), artistic swimmers and divers (both have junior Europeans in Athens) are already competing – and the youngest age-group water polo players will hit the pool in Istanbul on Friday.
The two-division format will guarantee fierce battles right from the first day, though few doubt that the title-race will see the traditional powerhouses’ rise to the top. Still, it’s worth noting that a year ago Croatia caused a huge upset by making the semis at the U16 Worlds, at the expense of the Netherlands.
For the Croats, reaching the semis is always the minimum expected result for their men’s teams – in any tournament – but never from the women’s sides, but their young ladies are a team to clearly look out for. Some of the players who shined at the Worlds are still eligible to compete this year as well and may do some big things again.
Spain and Hungary played for the World title last year, with Spain finishing up on top, as they added the world crown to their U15 European title from 2023.
In Istanbul, the Spanish, the Hungarians and the Greeks should be the frontrunners, but Italy might have a word or two to say as well, just as will the Netherlands – and possibly Croatia.
In the groups, Spain, Hungary and the Netherlands are in Group A, alongside Serbia, while Greece and Italy are in Group B, together with Croatia and Germany.
The top two seeds will advance directly to the quarters, while the third and fourth placed teams have to face the challengers that progress from the lower groups.
Women’s U16 European Water Polo Championships, Istanbul
27 June 27 – 3 July
Group A: Spain, Hungary, Netherlands, Serbia
Group B: Greece, Italy, Croatia, Germany
Group C: Türkiye, Czechia, Slovakia, France
Group D: Romania, Ukraine, Malta
Watch all the action live on the European Aquatics TV channel, which can be found by clicking here
Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics
