Beach Water Polo Debut at FINA World Championships

(ATR) China leads the medal table after three days of competition at the FINA Aquatics World Championships.

China has won 10 medals so far, followed by Russia with five. Mexico has four medals and the United States and Italy have three each, but none of the three countries have struck gold yet.

The world champs started July 12 and will run until July 28.

"As you can see, we are prepared and ready for the successful hosting of the Championships. Gwangju is equipped with excellent conditions and the ticket sales have surpassed the target goal thanks to the interest and support from the Korean citizens," said Gwangju Mayor Yong Sup Lee.

This year’s championships breaks a record with 194 out of 209 FINA national member federations participating. Approximately 2,500 athletes will compete in six aquatic disciplines, aiming for medals in 76 events.

A number of disciplines will serve as an Olympic qualifier for the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

During this first week of the championships, beach water polo will make its debut as a demonstration sport with four men’s and four women’s teams participating.

France, China, Canada, and Argentina are competing in the men’s event. The U.S., Australia, Spain and China make up the women’s field.

This week artistic swimming, water polo, diving, and open water swimming will hold competitions with swimming beginning July 21.

Olympic Channel coverage of the world champs will be available in the U.S., produced by NBC.

Outside the U.S. streaming live coverage is behind a 25 euros paywall.

This includes Australia, where FINA has not come to terms with Australian broadcasters. It’s the first time since 1986 that the championships have not been broadcast in Australia.

Click here to view the competition schedule.

Homepage Photo Credit: Olympic Channel

Written by Greer Wilson.