Men's Water Polo Tournament: How Japan, China and Kazakhstan Qualified for Doha 2024

Asian countries had three quota spots for the Men's Water Polo Tournament at the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024, with the medallists from the Asian Games earning those allocations.   

In the Men's Water Polo Final at the Hangzhou Asian Games held this past Saturday (7 October), Japan defeated China 11-7. A tightly contested match through the first quarter, Japan had their offensive attack firing in the second quarter led 5-1 midway through the Gold Medal Game. China rallied to take some effective attacks in the second half and scored four goals in the third quarter but was still not enough to level the score. Japan extended their momentum in the fourth quarter, sustaining their lead until the final whistle.

By virtue of the making the Asian Games Men's Water Polo Final, Japan and China qualified for the Doha 2024. 

In the Asian Games Bronze Medal Game, Kazakhstan and Iran drew 7-7 through four quarters. Kazakhstan prevailed 10-9 in the penalty shootout, to secure both the bronze and their spot at the upcoming Worlds. 

Women's Water Polo Tournament: China, Japan and Kazakhstan Make it to Doha 2024

China put on a sizzling performance in the Gold Medal Game Asian Games with a 24-11 win over Japan. The victory capped China's dominant run through the Women's Water Polo Tournament in Hangzhou as they secured their fourth consecutive Asian Games title.

The hosts displayed their attacking prowess to record a statement victory while also showing their mental strength to withstand a short fightback from their counterparts in the second quarter.

“The performance was amazing; I am very proud of my team," said China head coach Theocharis Pavlidis. "The girls showed their spirit, they played for their country, for the leaders, and for everyone in this team."

By making the Asian Games Men's Water Polo Final, both Japan and China qualified for the Doha 2024.

Kazakhstan overpowered Uzbekistan 16-8 to confirm the bronze medal and secure their country the final Asian continent quota position to the Women's Water Polo Tournament at Doha 2024. 

Who's In | Currently Qualified Women's Teams for the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024

For the Women's Water Polo Tournament in Doha, here are the currently qualified teams: 

World Aquatics Women's Water Polo World Cup 2023: United States of America, Netherlands

World Aquatics Championships - Fukuoka 2023: Spain, Italy, Australia, Hungary

Afrika: South Africa

Oceania: New Zealand

Asia: China, Japan, Kazakhstan

For the Americas and Europe Continental qualifiers, these are slated to take conclude on 4 November 2023 and 17 January 2024, respectively. 

Who's In | Currently Qualified Men's Teams for the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024

For the Men's Water Polo Tournament in Doha, here are the currently qualified teams: 

World Aquatics Men's Water Polo World Cup 2023: Spain, Italy

World Aquatics Championships - Fukuoka 2023: Hungary, Greece, Serbia, France

Afrika: South Africa

Oceania: Australia

Asia: Japan, China Kazakhstan

For the Americas and Europe Continental qualifiers, these quota positions will be determined on 5 November 2023 and 18 January 2024, respectively.