Did Indian Teams Struggle in Their Opening Water Polo Matches at the Asian Aquatics Championships?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Both Indian teams faced tough challenges against Singapore.
- Key players from Singapore made significant contributions to their team's success.
- India's performance highlighted areas for improvement.
- The championships provide an opportunity for growth and learning.
- Artistic swimming events showcased talent from various countries.
Ahmedabad, Oct 4 (NationPress) - The Indian water polo teams faced significant challenges as both the men's and women's squads experienced defeats on the first day against Singapore during the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships 2025, which has brought a vibrant atmosphere to the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex with thrilling water polo and artistic swimming events on Saturday.
In the men's Group B match, Singapore triumphed over India with a score of 20-8. India initially took the lead, but a series of unforced errors and fouls allowed Singapore to seize control and establish a strong lead. Singapore's captain Rajandra Sanjiv and See Tien Ee emerged as key players, each netting four goals.
Goh Wen Zhe contributed three goals, while Loh Cayden, Chan Dominic, and Lok Shunn each scored two. Chow Yong rounded out the scoring with one goal. For India, Sarang Ravindra and Praveen Gopinathan each scored twice, while Bhagesh Jagdish, Uday Uttekar, Ankit Prasad, and Vibhav Suhas Kuthe each added one goal.
In the Women's Group A match, Singapore dominated India with a 23-10 victory. Yap Jingxuan led Singapore's offensive with an impressive seven goals. Koh Ting, Lee Xuan, and Koh Xiao each scored four goals, while Tio Ji added three. Captain Yeo Zhi Min contributed with one goal. India’s Krisha Purokatastha was the top scorer with three goals, followed by Kripa Ranichithra with two, and Sefwa Sakeer, Captain Varsha Suresh, Kalautri Mitra, Dhruthi Karthikeya, and Madhurami Shanti each scoring once.
In Women's Group B, Thailand narrowly defeated Kazakhstan 14-12, led by Kwantongtanaree Thanidakarn with six goals. Puangtong Kritsana supported her with four goals, while Kongchouy Thnita and Rueangsappaisan Raksina each contributed two goals. Kazakhstan's captain Mirshina Anastassiya was the top scorer with five goals.
Iran secured a 14-9 victory over China in Men's Group A, with Shams Arman scoring three goals. Aghaei Karim, Behzadsabouri Farbod, captain Yazdankhah Mehndi, and Jalilpour Amirreza each netted two goals. For China, Zhu Beile led with four goals.
In Men's Group B, Japan overwhelmed Thailand with a score of 24-12. Captain Ura Enishi scored eight goals, while Moriya Yuki added five. Chainiyom Phongsathon led Thailand with six goals.
Medals
Artistic Swimming
Men’s Solo Technical: Viktor Druzin (Kazakhstan) 228.1708; Eduard Kim (Kazakhstan) 223.5584; Remma Furuuchi (Japan) 206.8675
Women’s Solo Technical: Karina Magrupova (Kazakhstan) 240.1600; Sabina Makhmudova (Uzbekistan) 222.1600; Yasmina Islamova (Kazakhstan) 204.0066.