Israel's Junior Water Polo Team Wins Silver at European Championship

Israel's junior water polo team achieved a remarkable silver medal at the European Championship, concluding the tournament with a 9-13 loss to Russia in the final on August 16, 2026. The Israeli team entered the final undefeated, having won all their matches in the group stage and the semifinals. The first half was tightly contested, ending 5-6 in favor of Russia. The decisive third quarter saw Russia extend their lead to 9-13, a margin Israel could not overcome despite a strong final quarter.

This outstanding performance earned Israel second place in the Division tournament and qualified the team for the elite Division tournament, where they will face the continent's top 16 teams. The Israeli squad is noted for being young and promising. Rona Freund Amitzur, chairwoman of the Israeli Water Polo Association, expressed pride in the players and coaching staff, emphasizing their dedication and exceptional results. She affirmed the association's commitment to further developing Israeli water polo and bringing honor to the country.