The Hungarian Obsession With Water Polo

Most countries are passionate about football. Hungary is different. Hungarians are unusually proud of water polo.

The Hungarian national team is considered one of the greatest in the history of the sport, winning multiple Olympic gold medals across different eras. In Hungary, water polo athletes are treated almost like football stars.

The popularity of the sport partly comes from the country’s strong swimming culture. Because Hungary has so many thermal baths and swimming pools, children often learn to swim at a very young age.

Matches between Hungary and neighboring countries can become extremely emotional. One legendary game against the Soviet Union during the 1956 Olympics became internationally famous because it took place shortly after the Hungarian Revolution.

Today, water polo remains deeply connected to national identity. On summer evenings in Budapest, it is common to see crowded swimming complexes filled with young athletes training late into the night.