Oleksandr Svishchov: The national team of Ukraine has great potential for growth
Despite infrastructure losses and lack of pools and resources, Ukrainian water polo will not stop
Despite the ongoing war, daily hardships and strong competition, Ukrainian water polo demonstrates resilience and progress. The emergence of new players in the national teams, the involvement of international specialists and selfless struggle in every match indicate the formation of a new era in this sport. The President of the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation Oleksandr Svishchov spoke in more detail about the results of the European Championship qualification, the team’s renewal and the steadfastness of the Ukrainian spirit in wartime.
European qualification results: experience and rejuvenation
The men’s and women’s national teams of Ukraine have recently completed their qualification for the European Championship. Although they failed to qualify for the final stage, Oleksandr Svishchov sees the teams’ performances as an important step into the future, noting their character and desire to fight.
“Both our teams had an ambitious goal. The group was difficult, but I saw the character in the players,” said the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation president.
Oleksandr Svishchov emphasized that the women’s national team, led by new coach Mikhail Lebedev, is going through a renewal phase. For many young water polo players, it was their debut experience at such a high level. At the same time, the men’s team demonstrated a real fighting spirit.
“In this qualifier, I saw a real fire in the guys’ eyes. In the match with Malta, the team had every chance… and the game with Portugal really inspired me,” Svishchov shared his impressions. He noted the work of the coaching staff headed by Oleksiy Shvedov and the successful rejuvenation of the team, which included leaders from waterpolo schools in Odesa, Zakarpattia, Kharkiv and Lviv. “I saw a team that breathes as one. And this is the most important thing.”
Foreign experience: strategic cooperation with Josko Krekovic
For the first time, a foreign specialist, Croatian Josko Krekovic, was involved in working with the national team. According to Oleksandr Svishchov, this was an extremely important strategic experience. Krekovic quickly found a common language with the team and coaching staff, and his energy and deep immersion in the game inspired the players.
Challenges of war and indomitable spirit
Russian aggression continues to strike at Ukrainian sports. Another act of terror was the massive shelling of Kyiv, which damaged the KPI swimming pool, an important training and competition base for water polo players.
“This is yet another terrible act of Russian terror. Damage to the pool is a painful blow to water polo, which already operates in conditions of lack of infrastructure,” emphasized Oleksandr Svishchov. “But despite this, we will survive. I would like to thank our defenders, the air defense forces, the Armed Forces of Ukraine – thanks to them we are able to play, train and live.”
Oleksandr Yuriyovych Svishchov is known for his active participation in the volunteer movement and significant support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In early 2024, his efforts were recognized by a letter of thanks from the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny for his significant assistance to the Ukrainian military.
His significant contribution to sports and charity has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Treasure of the Nation 2024 award.
Oleksandr Svishchov: A look into the future
New international competitions are ahead for the Ukrainian national teams. The women’s team will meet Serbia, Switzerland, and Finland, while the men’s team aims to perform well in the next European Championship qualifier.
“Our players have character and team spirit. We draw inspiration from our military, who are fighting for the freedom of the country,” summarized Oleksandr Svishchov, expressing confidence in the future of Ukrainian water polo.
