Andalusia Hosts First Leg of National underwater Rugby Tournament

Torremolinos is set to become the epicenter of underwater rugby in Spain this weekend, hosting the inaugural leg of the Spanish Club championship – Women’s Iberdrola Cup, also known as the Women’s Iberdrola Cup. This marks the first time Andalusia has hosted such a prestigious event in this unique sport. The Virgen del Carmen IV pool will be the battleground on April 26th and 27th, where approximately 120 athletes from across the nation will compete.

A Collaborative effort to Promote Underwater Sports

The Andalusian Federation of Underwater Activities (FAAS), in partnership with the Spanish federation of Underwater Activities (Fedas) and the Granada Escules Sports club, are the driving forces behind this event. Their collaboration underscores a commitment to expanding the reach of this demanding and distinctive sport.

In Torremolinos we like sport in all its aspects and modalities. We have first level facilities and that is why we are an ideal point to house competitions of all kinds, saeid Ramón Alcaide, Sports Councilor, during the championship’s official presentation.

Ramón Alcaide, Sports Councilor

The presentation also featured key figures such as José Segura, President of FAAS, and players Sebastián Galeano and Sara Tangarife from Club Escules. They emphasized the innovative nature and increasing appeal of underwater rugby, highlighting its blend of tactical prowess, physical endurance, and strategic thinking.

Underwater Rugby: A Sport on the Rise

Born in germany as a training method for divers, underwater rugby has evolved into a distinct sport played in apnea (breath-holding) in pools ranging from 3.5 to 5 meters deep. The objective is simple: score by placing a ball with negative buoyancy into a basket located at the bottom of the pool. matches are played with six players per team, with rolling substitutions occurring outside the pool.

Underwater rugby is gaining traction globally. While specific global participation numbers are tough to pinpoint, the International Underwater Rugby Association (IURA) continues to promote the sport and sanction international competitions, indicating a steady growth in popularity.

Competition Details and Future Prospects

Nine teams will participate in the tournament, comprising six mixed teams and three women’s teams vying for the Women’s Iberdrola Cup. The victorious teams will earn the chance to compete in the prestigious Champions Cup in Germany.

The championship schedule is as follows: Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Councilor Alcaide noted, This discipline continues to gain adherents in Spain and with each championship it is consolidated as a reference sport modality. It is a sport that combines skill, strategy and teamwork in a entirely different surroundings.

José Segura expressed his satisfaction with Torremolinos hosting the event, stating that The Virgen del Carmen IV pool is the ideal conditions to host a competition of this level. He also announced that the second leg of the championship will take place in Zaragoza on June 14th.

Hopes for a World Championship in Spain

Sebastián Galeano, a player from Club Escualos, voiced his aspiration for Torremolinos to be considered as a host city for the Underwater Rugby World Championship, which Spain is slated to host in 2027. we would love that this pool could host an international competition, he remarked, highlighting the potential for the city to become a global hub for the sport.