The Ukrainian national water polo team has recently completed a training camp in Slovakia. One of the main features of this stage was the participation of a new foreign specialist in the team. Oleksandr Svishchov, President of the Water Polo Federation of Ukraine, spoke about the results of the training camp, plans for the season and personnel decisions in a commentary to the Water Polo Federation of Ukraine Media Center.
According to Oleksandr Svishchov, on January 3-7, Ukrainian water polo players played a series of friendly matches against the Slovak national team and the Hornets club from Kosice. For the hosts, these matches were part of the preparation for the European Championship, while for the Ukrainian national team, they were an important test against a strong opponent. In the matches against the club team, the Ukrainians showed a confident performance and won.
Special attention was paid to the work of the Croatian coach and consultant Nikica Gulin. As Oleksandr Svishchov emphasized, he is a specialist with extensive practical experience and a deep understanding of the realities Ukraine is currently facing. In his youth, Gulin volunteered to defend Croatia during the war, so he is well aware of what armed aggression means.
The Water Polo Federation of Ukraine President noted that the first stage of cooperation was introductory in nature – the coach assessed the players’ potential, communicated with the team and coaching staff. According to Svishchov, the reaction of the athletes was extremely positive.
In the future, the Federation plans to appoint Nikiсa Gulin as the head coach of the U20 national team. At the same time, he will act as a consultant to the national team. His key task will be the full cycle of preparation of the youth national team for the European Championship in the First Division, where the Ukrainian team will fight for promotion.
Mr. Svishchov also emphasized that cooperation with a foreign specialist is not based on financial motives. The coach understands the difficult situation of Ukrainian sports in the context of the war and is ready to work for the development of water polo.
Separately, the Water Polo Federation of Ukraine president touched upon the issue of Ukraine’s participation in international tournaments if Russia is admitted. The Federation is currently awaiting official clarification from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.
Svishchov also shared his expectations from the resumption of the Ukrainian men’s and women’s championships, emphasizing the growth of competition and the importance of a stable game process for the development of national teams.
