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 on August 16, 2026. The final match saw Israel face a strong Russian team, ending in a 9-13 defeat. Israel entered the final undefeated, having won all their group stage and semifinal matches.
The game was tightly contested in the first half, with the first quarter ending in a 3-3 tie and Russia leading narrowly 6-5 at halftime. The third quarter proved decisive as Russia extended their lead to 13-9, a margin Israel could not overcome despite a strong final quarter. This second-place finish in the Division marks an exceptional achievement for the young and promising Israeli squad.
Following this success, Israel earned a spot in the Division Elite tournament, where they will compete against Europe's top 16 teams. Rona Freund Amitzur, chairwoman of the Israeli Water Polo Association, praised the players and coaching staff for their outstanding performance and dedication. She emphasized the association's commitment to further developing Israeli water polo and bringing honor to the country.
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