Tony Karaman advises Water Polo referees to be fair and neutral

Ahead of the 4th annual national Water Polo championships to be held at the University of Ghana pool on Saturday January 18, 2025, a referee’s clinic has been organized last Tuesday at the Lincoln Community School at Abelemkpe in Accra.

Croatia born and USA based Mr. Tony Tonka Karaman, an official from World Aquatics formerly known as FINA, conducted the successful clinic which attracted interested young players, coaches and officials.

He expressed his joy over the interest that people have for Water Polo though it is a new and expensive sports.

He commended the President of Ghana Water Polo Prince Asante Sefa Boakye who is also founder of the Black Star Water Polo team.

According to Mr. Karaman, Water Polo is an Olympic Sport under World Aquatics programmes and some of the benefits are as a sports person, learning how to swim and play in water and team work.

Other benefits that he mentioned are resilience, sportsmanship, leadership, discipline, courage, determination, travelling opportunities and winning spirit.

He urged the young referees to be neutral, make fair play their policy and respect all players and officials of the game.

He noted that Water Polo is an expensive sport however educational institutions like high schools and colleges with swimming pools can play.

Also communities with water bodies can also enjoy Water Polo.

The 4th national championship promises to be exciting as the players and teams are prepared to thrill.

Awutu Winton SHS are the defending champions and will face challenge from Accra Arts Center, KNUST and Lake Bosomtwi club.

Prince Asante Sefa Boakye said it is ideal that young Ghanaians choose sports that they can play to the Olympic level like Water Polo and called for the construction of more swimming pools in tertiary and secondary schools.

He thanked the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the sports media for their support and promotion of Water Polo

By Sammy Heywood Okine