The FINA President Dr Julio C. Maglione was today in Kuwait City (KUW) for the opening Press Conference of the 2019 FINA World Men’s Junior Water Polo Championships, to be staged from December 12-20 with the participation of 20 teams from the five continents. 

“It’s a great pleasure for FINA to be back here in Kuwait, after the organisation, some years ago, of the FINA Development Trophy, also in Water Polo. I had the opportunity to visit the pool and I consider it a top-class venue for our water polo players and all participants in the Championships. The accommodation facilities are also of excellent level, so all the conditions are met for a great edition of this junior rendezvous”, considered the FINA President.

“We must not forget that Water Polo was the first Olympic team sport, so FINA is very keen in developing this spectacular discipline worldwide. The Championships here in Kuwait will certainly unveil some of the future Water Polo stars, the ones shining at the FINA World Championships and Olympic Games”, stated Dr Maglione.

Cornel Marculescu, FINA Executive Director, also expressed his satisfaction: “I believe a new era in Sport is starting in this country, and FINA will be present to support you on this strategy. We are very happy on the way Aquatics is developing in Kuwait”.

The FINA delegation was welcomed by the Kuwaiti leaders, namely HE Sheikh Khalid Al Sabah, President of the Kuwait Swimming Association, and by Husain Al Musallam, FINA First Vice-President. They both confessed their satisfaction to host these championships in the country and ensured the FINA Family that all participants in the Championships will be offered top-level hospitality in Kuwait City. 

“This competition will be excellent, as we want to honour FINA’s confidence on us”, declared Mr Al Musallam.