Perth to host FINA World League Inter-continental Cup in 2019

Published Fri 02 Nov 2018

Water Polo Australia is excited to announce that Perth will host the FINA World League Inter-continental Cup in March, 2019.

This international tournament brings together some of the world’s strongest male and female teams to battle it out for FINA World League Super Final qualification.

The week-long event will also act as a key stepping stone towards July’s FINA World Championships in South Korea as well as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games which will be just over one year to go.

The Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers will compete in the evening timeslots with finals due to take place Sunday 31 March 2019. The likely teams to compete on Aussie soil will include USA, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Brazil and South Africa.

Water Polo Australia President, Thomas Whalan, said the international tournament provides a great opportunity for Aussie fans to see world class water polo action down under.

“The World League Inter-continental Cup is one of the premier water polo events on the international calendar and we are pleased to be hosting nations from across the globe.

“For many countries there will be a lot at stake, with the tournament also forming part of Olympic pre-qualification for Tokyo 2020.

“To have the men’s and women’s competition taking place alongside each other will be a great opportunity for Water Polo Australia and Water Polo WA to promote our great game.

“We want to thank the generous support of the Western Australia Government, through Tourism WA and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries,” he said.

Water Polo WA Chair, Tom Hoad, said Perth has a proud history of delivering major international water polo tournaments.

“The facilities which will be used across the competition are world class and will provide teams with everything they need in order to compete at the highest level.

“Water polo has long been a popular sport in Perth and we are proud of our tight water polo community who we know will be out in force to catch a glimpse of the some of the world’s best in action.

“It is a great win for local water polo and sports fans alike who will have a chance to watch their Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers heroes in action while also seeing Olympians from other countries displaying their water polo skills,” said Hoad.

Information relating to the event draw and tickets will be confirmed in the coming months, stay tuned to www.waterpoloaustralia.com.au.