Envisioning a Bright Future

India's former captain and Asian Games Bronze medallist team member Sanjay Karandikar feels bolstering branding and marketing efforts will elevate Water Polo's stature in India

- MILIND DHAMDHERE

In a nation where sporting legends are born and celebrated, there exists a hidden treasure awaiting its rightful acclaim: Water Polo. This compelling, demanding sport, often overshadowed by its more renowned counterparts, embodies a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and historical significance. Yet, within India’s sporting narrative, its tale remains untold.

The rise of professional leagues and frequent international contests have notably elevated the calibre of athletes across various sports realms such as Hockey, Football, Badminton, Tennis, and more. Sajany Karandikar emphasises a strategic path forward for Water Polo’s growth.

“We should engage two to three professional European teams in test matches against our prominent clubs or state teams across multiple centres like Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and others. Such competitions promise substantial exposure for our budding players,” he said.

“Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed the organisation of All India interclub tournaments. Emulating strategies from established professional leagues and robustly branding and marketing Water Polo events will draw larger audiences. Increased spectatorship not only fosters game interest but also attracts sponsors, crucial for our players’ development. Encouragingly, the recent influx of talented players from rural areas into Water Polo signifies a positive trajectory. It’s imperative to capitalise on these opportunities to elevate our international performance,” Karandikar added.

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