Oleksandr Svishchov: Development of water polo and support of the military are our priorities

Well-known sports official and President of the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation (UWPF) Oleksandr Svishchov summarized the results of the 5th round of the Men’s Super League and shared his expectations for the final part of the season, including the preparation of national teams for the European Championship qualifiers. In an interview with the UWPF Media Center, he noted the growing intrigue in the fight for medals and the importance of team preparation against the backdrop of international challenges.

Intrigue in the Super League and unexpected results of the 5th round

Oleksandr Svishchov emphasized the high level of intrigue that remains in the Men’s Super League after the 5th round, which took place in Lviv.

“I think we have quite a lot of intrigue in the fight for the second and third places in the Super League. Fans could see great matches with unexpected results in some matches. The Aquatico team was a very pleasant surprise, as they won two victories against their main competitors for medals and added a lot of intrigue before the sixth round. The question of who will receive silver and bronze medals will be decided to the last,” said the President of the UWPF.

He also noted positive changes in the teams competing for places 5-8. According to Oleksandr Svishchov, KIVS and the Kyiv national team have started to show good play.

“Lviv confirmed this with the result, having won three games. Kyiv, unfortunately, have no points, but there are significant changes in the game and the team is progressing,” he added, understanding the personnel problems of Kyiv due to the lack of players who defend Ukraine in the ranks of the Armed Forces.

End of the season and intensive training of national teams

Ukrainian water polo has a busy month ahead. The last rounds of the Super League will determine the winners among both men and women. This will be an important stage of preparation for the national teams.

Mr. Svishchov said: “Yes, we really have a fruitful month of work and a lot of events. In Lviv, women and men will determine in the last rounds who will become the winners and prize-winners of the Ukrainian championships of the 2024-2025 season. I hope that the final round should bring the teams and, in particular, our national teams in the men’s and women’s teams to a high level.”

The federation plans to organize training camps for both national teams to ensure quality preparation for the 2026 European Championship qualifiers.

Tasks for national teams: Nature and maximum goals

Oleksandr Svishchov does not hide the fact that the draw for the European Championships was not easy, especially for the women’s national team. Nevertheless, the Federation sets ambitious goals for the teams.

“I agree that we were not very lucky with the draw, especially the women’s team. But we understand the conditions in which we have to work now. We want the women’s team to show their game and all the work they have been doing in training. The girls must go out and fight in the pool in every match against Serbia, Switzerland or Finland. I am confident that Mikhail Lebedev’s team will show character and play with dignity,” the President of the UWPF emphasized.

As for the men’s national team, which is in a group with France, Malta, and Portugal, the task is maximum.

“For our men’s national team, the leadership of the UWPF always sets maximum tasks. This year the team has to fulfill the task and qualify for the European Championship. We always lack just a little bit to win a ticket to the final stage. I have a great hope that this time the team will break the negative trend and Oleksiy Shvedov’s team will qualify for the European Championships,” said Svishchov.

Oleksandr Svishchov emphasized the potential of the current men’s national team, noting the important role of players who play abroad.

“It is our legionnaires who should become the “engine” in the matches for the national team. I am convinced that today playing for the Ukrainian national water polo team is a great pride, but also a responsibility,” he added.

Svishchov urged the players to be united and play to the best of their abilities, drawing motivation from the struggle of the Ukrainian people for freedom.

“For three years, our country has been demonstrating to the world its struggle for freedom and for a just peace. I think that for our players, the deeds of our heroes should add motivation and serve as a good example in the fight on the waterpolo court. Today, we have good experienced players, promising young water polo players and our powerful legionnaires who play abroad. This symbiosis should result in a good team synergy,” he summarized.

Oleksandr Svishchov’s contribution: sports, volunteering and recognition

An important part of Mr. Svishchov’s work is his active volunteerism and support of the Ukrainian military. In early 2024, he received a letter of appreciation from the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny for his significant assistance to Ukrainian defenders.

His significant contribution to the development of sports and charity has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Treasure of the Nation 2024 award.