CMAS Underwater Hockey Newsletter Vol. 1 No.2 | August 2024
Age Group Worlds
The 6th CMAS Age Group Underwater Hockey Championships, held from July 19th to 27th, 2024, in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, was nothing short of a grand spectacle. With 11 countries and 35 teams competing, the tournament was a celebration of skill, teamwork, and international camaraderie, all set against the backdrop of Malaysia's warm hospitality.
The event was masterfully organized by Roshan Babu Balakrishnan of Malaysian Underwater Hockey, along with his dedicated team of volunteers. The tournament ran smoothly under the expert guidance of Tournament Director Tony Colquhoun and Tournament Referee Matt Nunn, ensuring that every match was conducted with the highest standards of fairness and professionalism.
The opening ceremony was a memorable affair, setting the tone for the exciting week ahead. Michel Gaunard, President of the CMAS Sports Committee was among the dignitaries and Tristan Reynard, Director of the CMAS Underwater Hockey Commission and Roshan, welcomed the teams and spectators with inspiring speeches. The ceremony itself was a stunning display of lights, music, and water performances, showcasing the unique blend of tradition and modernity that Kuala Lumpur is known for.
Throughout the tournament, teams from around the world competed fiercely, with every player giving their all in pursuit of victory. However, as is the nature of competition, only a select few emerged as champions. New Zealand dominated the medal tally, securing an impressive four medals: three golds and one bronze. France followed closely with three silver medals, demonstrating their consistent strength in the sport. Australia also had a successful tournament, earning one gold and one silver medal. Meanwhile, Turkey, Great Britain, and Colombia each took home a bronze medal, highlighting the global spread of talent in underwater hockey.
As the curtains closed on the 6th CMAS Age Group Underwater Hockey Championships, it was clear that this tournament was not only a showcase of the best young talent in the sport but also a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and international friendship that underwater hockey fosters. Congratulations to all the medalists and participants for their remarkable achievements, and we look forward to seeing what the next championships will bring.
8th Asian Underwater Hockey Cup
The 8th AUHC marked a significant milestone in the world of underwater hockey, bringing together the best athletes from across Asia to compete at the Singapore Sport School. This premier competition, which has grown in prestige over the years, saw its first-ever inclusion of the Youth& Master divisions, signifying a new beginning and the evolution of the tournament from a championship to a cup.
The Singapore Sport School, known for its state-of-the-art facilities designed for high-performance athletes, provided the perfect backdrop for this year's competition. The event was a celebration of skill, determination, and sportsmanship, as 23 teams from 8 nations battled it out for the top spot in their respective divisions.
China emerged as the top performer, securing a total of five medals; three golds, one silver, and one bronze. Singapore, the host nation, also had a strong showing, winning five medals, including two golds and three silvers. demonstrating their continued commitment to the sport.Other nations, including Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the UAE also made their mark on the tournament, showcasing the growing depth of talent across the region.
As the Asian Underwater Hockey Cup continues to grow, it is clear that the sport's future in the region is bright. The inclusion of new divisions and the increasing level of competition point to a promising trajectory for underwater hockey in Asia, one that will see even more nations and athletes taking part in the years to come.
COVERAGE OF ALL CMAS EVENTS CAN BE VIEWED AT https://tv.cmas.org
Underwater Hockey Survey Reveals Key Insights but Disappointing Participation
A recent survey aimed at gathering comprehensive data on the size and composition of the underwater hockey population within CMAS national federations has yielded mixed results. The survey, which targeted 32 countries, received responses from only 15, leaving a gap in the global understanding of this niche sport.
Despite the low response rate, some of the major underwater hockey nations participated, including Great Britain, New Zealand, the USA, and Australia. The data collected from these countries provides valuable insights into the organizational structures, tournament frequency, and player demographics within the sport.
Organizational Structures and Governance. Of the countries that responded, 80% reported having a formal executive structure in place to govern underwater hockey. A further 73% of these federations indicated that their executive bodies meet on a quarterly basis. This suggests a strong organizational framework in many of the participating countries, ensuring that the sport is managed with regular oversight.
Tournament Frequency. A positive development highlighted by the survey is the frequency of tournaments being held. Approximately 33% of the federations reported hosting more than five tournaments annually, while over 60% noted that clubs within their countries organize more than four tournaments per year. This level of activity is crucial for the development of the sport, providing players with regular opportunities to compete and improve their skills.
Financial Support. However, the survey also revealed some concerning trends, particularly regarding financial support. Only two countries indicated that they receive government funding for underwater hockey. This lack of financial backing could pose challenges for the growth and sustainability of the sport, especially in countries where resources are limited.
Player Demographics. The survey also shed light on the demographic composition of the underwater hockey community. The total number of players across the 15 responding countries stands at 5,275. Of these, 56% are male, and a notable 34% are under the age of 24. This indicates a healthy youth presence in the sport, which bodes well for its future.
While the survey provides valuable insights into the state of underwater hockey within the responding CMAS federations, the limited participation is a significant drawback. The data gathered highlights the sport's organizational strength and active tournament scene but also underscores the need for greater financial support and broader participation in future surveys. As underwater hockey continues to grow, it will be crucial for more countries to engage in such initiatives to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the sport's global landscape.
CMAS Announces Updated Plans for 2025 Inter-Continental Championships Qualifying Events
The CMAS Board of Directors has announced significant updates regarding the qualifying events for the 2025 Underwater Hockey World Championships. In a recent decision, the CMAS Board has determined that the Americas will no longer be grouped with Asia and Oceania for qualification purposes. Instead, a separate Inter-Continental Championships for the Americas will be organized, addressing concerns about financial constraints and aiming to increase participation across the continent.
Rationale Behind the Decision. The decision to hold a separate qualifying event for the Americas stems from discussions held directly with the BoD highlighting the financial challenges faced by teams in the region when participating in the Asia/Americas Championships. By establishing an exclusive event for the Americas, CMAS BoD aims to alleviate these financial pressures, thereby encouraging broader participation from countries in North, Central, and South America. Additionally, this move is expected to enhance government recognition and support for underwater hockey in these nations.
Call for Host Bids for the Americas Championship. With this new directive, CMAS is actively seeking proposals from countries interested in hosting the Inter-Continental Championships for the Americas in 2025.
Federations across the continent are encouraged to come forward with their bids, as this event represents a crucial step toward securing a place in the World Championships.
Details of the 2025 Qualifying Events
Inter- Continental Championships (Americas)
Status: To be advised – Seeking bids to host
Details: CMAS is currently accepting proposals from interested countries in the Americas to host this event.
Inter-Continental Championship (Asia/Oceania)
Host Country: Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 01 – 09 August 2025
Status: The CMAS Board of Directors has confirmed that this championship will proceed for Asia and Oceania, excluding the Americas.
Inter-Continental Championships (Euro/Africa)
Host Country: The Netherlands, Dordrecht
Date: 15 – 23 August 2025
Status: Pool secured. The bid, including financial details, has been received. While the cost of the event is higher than expected, it aligns with the current economic climate. A survey will be sent to all National Federations for feedback, with a subsequent submission to the Board of Directors for final approval at the September meeting.
Looking Ahead. As the underwater hockey community prepares for the 2027 World Championships, the introduction of a separate Americas Qualifying Championship marks a pivotal development. The CMAS Board of Directors believes that this change will not only address the financial constraints previously faced but also foster greater inclusivity and recognition for the sport across the Americas.
CMAS is committed to working closely with all involved federations to ensure the success of these events. Federations interested in hosting the Americas Qualifying Championship are urged to submit their proposals promptly.
Colleges Updates and Special Events Meeting
SPECIAL EVENTS MEETING
We are proud to announce the nomination of Pamela Mackor from South Africa as the Deputy Director of the Colleges of Coaches. Pamela brings a wealth of experience in both playing and coaching underwater hockey in South Africa. Her appointment is pending final approval from the Board of Directors.
In other news, a special meeting will be held on August 31, 2024, to vote for the new Director of the College of Events. The two nominees are Patrick Kraak from the Netherlands and Graham Henderson from Australia. Both candidates will have an opportunity to present their vision before a vote is cast.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
National Federation: 26 Oct
College of Coaching: 15 Sept 08 Dec
College of Development: 08 Sept 15 Dec
College of Events: 07 Sept 30 Nov
College of Referees: 28 Sept 17 Nov
Having a representative on each of the colleges is crucial for ensuring that your federation remains actively engaged in discussions and decisions within the CMAS UWH community. This presence allows your federation to stay informed about important issues, developments, and opportunities that affect the sport. It also ensures that your federation's interests are represented, and that you can contribute to shaping the future of underwater hockey.
