For many years, water polo has represented Montenegro at the Olympic Games, and when the “sharks” dive into the pool for their match against Croatia on July 28, they will mark their fifth appearance at this grand sports event.

Coach Vladimir Gojković’s squad will head to Paris on Tuesday, facing this significant experience with less pressure than ever before, and they have two exceptional pools waiting for them in the French capital, assuming they advance past the group stage.

The City of Light has prepared excellent facilities for water sports, with the water polo matches slated to take place at the newly inaugurated “Paris Aquatics Center,” which opened its doors in April.

Located in the suburb of Saint-Denis, close to the renowned “Stade de France” where the French national football team plays, the center was established to enhance water sports infrastructure in this region of Paris.

During the Olympic Games, the center will accommodate 5,000 spectators, with a future capacity of 2,500 post-Games. Events will also include artistic swimming and diving competitions.

The water polo tournament’s finals (beginning from the quarter-finals) will be held in a stunning hall with a seating capacity of 30,000, making it the second largest venue in Europe, following Oslo’s “Telenor Arena.”

This venue, known as “La Défense Arena,” is also situated in the suburbs (Nanterre) and has been transformed into a massive aquatic center for the Olympic Games.

Opened in 2017, the arena has already welcomed millions of visitors for concerts and rugby matches, as it is home to the Racing club and frequently hosts the French national team’s games.

Beyond water polo, this remarkable arena will showcase one of the most spectacular events of the entire Games – the swimming competition.

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