The coach noted the combat capability of the Russian women's national water polo team at the World Cup

For the first time since 2022, Russian water polo players competed under the country's flag at an international tournament, won the World Cup in the second division and secured their participation in the superfinal. Sergey Markoch, the head coach of the Russian women's national water polo team, told Izvestia on April 28.

According to him, despite the difficult period, the athletes have been working hard at the federal bases all these years.

"I said that the day will come when we will go out and play, and on that day we must not fail. That's why I'm glad we were ready. I am happy that a week before these competitions we were able to wear a suit with a coat of arms, with a flag," he explained.

Markoch noted that the Russian national team opposed the world champions who participated in the Olympic Games, and in the final, despite a fierce struggle, beat the Chinese team.

"Our Russian water polo is combat—ready — we showed it, we played all six games at the highest level," the coach concluded.

Water polo player Anna Arbuzova admitted that the team was nervous before the first international start in several years, but this did not prevent them from playing all the matches together.

"After the victory, we experienced the whole range of emotions — happiness, joy, and pride, and we were very happy," the girl shared.

Her colleague, water polo player Marina Kazanina, noted the support of the Russian fans, who inspired the team both in the stands and after the victory.

"They prepared a big surprise, set the table for us, and we all sang songs together, if, danced, rejoiced," she said.

Beautiful polo: the Russian women's national team will play at the World Cup with a flag and anthem

Our water polo players will start in the second division with matches against Argentina, Germany and South Africa.

On April 26, the Russian women's national water polo team beat China and won the World Cup final among the second division teams with a score of 18:17. The tournament was the first for Russians after they were admitted to international competitions with national symbols.