Sports investor and philanthropist Oleksandr Svishchov on the future of water polo in Ukraine
Oleksandr Svishchov, President of the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation, successful businessman, sports investor and philanthropist, spoke about the prospects of Ukrainian water polo and his plans for 2025.
Super League resumption and fight for medals
The Ukrainian Men’s Super League resumes after the winter break. Oleksandr Svishchov expects a high level of competition and notes that this season four main teams will compete for medals: “Dynamo (Lviv), Mariupol, LFCS-Aquatico (Lviv), and NTU KhPI-SVSM (Kharkiv).
“This year’s competition promises to be intense, and the audience will witness high-quality water polo. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the championship is held at a high level, despite the difficult conditions,” emphasizes Svishchov.
Challenges and prospects of Ukrainian water polo
According to Svishchov, it is a great achievement to keep eight teams in the championship despite the war. Teams from the east of Ukraine, in particular from Kharkiv and Mariupol, are forced to train in difficult conditions, and the Kyiv team is experiencing a staff shortage due to the mobilization of players. However, the Federation is doing everything possible to support the clubs and create conditions for the development of young people.
“Our main task is to preserve and develop water polo in Ukraine. We are witnessing a gradual revival, and in two to three years we can expect a significant increase in the level of competition,” says the President of the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation.
Development of women’s water polo
The Women’s Major League matches will take place in February. Svishchov admits that competition in the women’s championship is currently lower due to the outflow of young athletes abroad, but the Federation is actively working to attract new players and popularize women’s water polo.
Key objectives for 2025
The President of the Ukrainian Water Polo Federation noted that next year will be important for the Ukrainian national teams. In June, the men’s and women’s teams will take part in the qualification for the 2026 European Championships. The U-18 junior team will also have to defend its place in Group A.
“Thanks to our players, who play for leading European clubs, we have a chance to perform well. The main thing is to maintain the team spirit and prepare for the qualifying matches,” said Svishchov.
Investments in sports and charity
Oleksandr Yuriyovych Svishchov is known not only as the President of the Ukrainian Football Association, but also as an active investor in the development of sports. In 2022, he opened a modern sports and entertainment center Leoland, which became a training ground for young athletes. His contribution to the development of Ukrainian sports has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Treasure of the Nation 2024 award and awards for volunteer work.
In early 2024, he received a commendation from the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny for his active support of the Ukrainian military and humanitarian assistance.
“I have always believed that sport is of great importance to the nation. We will continue to invest in youth, infrastructure and development of water polo, as this is our contribution to the future of Ukraine,” summarized Alexander Svishchov.
