The Indian men’s water polo team endured a tough outing on Day 3 of the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships 2025, going down 6–20 to a dominant Kazakhstan side at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad.
Despite a spirited showing from Bhagesh Jagdish Kuthe, who scored three goals, India struggled to contain the pace and power of the Central Asian heavyweights, who cruised to a second successive victory in Group B.
Meanwhile, the day also featured another round of competitive fixtures across both men’s and women’s water polo, alongside Artistic Swimming events, where Kazakhstan’s Karina Magrupova and Viktor Druzin claimed gold in the Women’s and Men’s Solo Free routines, respectively.
Kazakhstan, one of Asia’s traditional water polo powerhouses, were in complete control from the opening whistle. Their tactical discipline, physical strength, and sharp coordination overwhelmed the Indian defense early on.
The Kazakh team shared scoring responsibilities effectively, with Baltabkuly Adil and Nedokontsev leading the charge with four goals each. Tosoy Eduard added a hat-trick, while Lamayev Maxim, Shakenov Murat, and Akimbay Aldiyar contributed two goals apiece. Akhmetov Ruslan, Madimar Almat, and Bobrovskiy Mstislav rounded off the tally with one goal each.
For India, Bhagesh Kuthe was once again the focal point of the attack. The Maharashtra-based forward showed excellent movement and precision, netting three goals, while Uday Uttekar and Praveen Gopinathan scored once each. However, apart from brief attacking bursts in the second and fourth quarters, India found it difficult to penetrate Kazakhstan’s tight defensive structure.
Kazakhstan’s superior game management and relentless counterattacks proved too much for the Indian side, who often found themselves on the back foot during transition plays. Their well-drilled zonal defense also limited India’s chances on goal, forcing long-range attempts that were comfortably dealt with by the Kazakh goalkeeper.
The 20–6 result reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s reputation as a title contender in the men’s competition, while India will look to regroup and sharpen their defensive setups ahead of their remaining group matches.
Japan, China, Iran Continue to Impress
Elsewhere in the water polo pool, several regional giants continued to stamp their authority.
In Women’s Group A, Japan recorded a commanding 26–13 win over Singapore, extending their unbeaten run in the tournament. Japan’s dominance was anchored by Kobayashi Maho, who top-scored with six goals, supported by Sobajima Sakura (4) and captain Fukuda Shoka, Lowrey Nina, Sanda Yumeka, and Shironoshita Kaho (3 each). The team’s precision passing and fast breaks left Singapore constantly chasing.
Singapore, though outplayed, fought gamely. Yap Jingzuan scored four goals, while Lim Wan Jun and Lee Xuan Hai netted three each. However, Japan’s superior pace and finishing meant there was little doubt about the outcome.
Over in Women’s Group B, Kazakhstan’s women’s team continued their strong campaign with a 21–10 victory over Hong Kong. Captain Marshina Anastassiya led by example with four goals, while Pochinok Darya and Anossova Valeriya chipped in with three each. The balanced scoring lineup underlined Kazakhstan’s depth and attacking versatility.
For Hong Kong, Captain Lau Tsz Ching and Ho Cheuk Kiu scored three goals apiece, but they found it difficult to keep pace with Kazakhstan’s relentless attacking rhythm and swift rotations.
China and Iran Shine in Men’s Matches
In Men’s Group A, China crushed Hong Kong 21–2, putting on a clinical display of precision passing and defensive solidity. Zhu Beile top-scored with four goals, while Zhang Jinpeng, Wang Beiyi, and Yang Shanglin netted three apiece. Their ability to press high and transition quickly on turnovers left Hong Kong struggling to create meaningful opportunities.
Hong Kong’s captain Cheng Hei Man and Ho Jason were the lone scorers in what was otherwise a one-sided encounter.
Meanwhile, Iran showcased their attacking firepower with a dominant 28–7 victory over Uzbekistan in the same group. Behzadsabouri Farbood led the charge with five goals, while captain Yazdankhah Mehndi and five of his teammates each contributed three goals. Iran’s aggression and fluid passing ensured they remained one of the teams to beat as the group stages progressed.
For Uzbekistan, Nosirov Nuriddin and Sayfiddinov Burkhonjon scored twice each, showing flashes of resistance, but the gulf in class was apparent throughout the match.
In the final men’s fixture of the day, Singapore overcame Thailand 19–11 in a lively Group B contest. Singapore’s Goh Wen Zhe and Loh Cayden Loh Dejun scored four goals each, while Matthias Goh added three. The team’s disciplined play and efficient conversions on man-up situations were decisive.
For Thailand, Kaewmanee Suteenan, Maneejohn Phatsakorn, and Chainiyom Phongsathon scored two goals each in an otherwise spirited display.
The win was crucial for Singapore, keeping them in contention for the knockout rounds and showcasing their growing maturity as a water polo nation in Southeast Asia.
Artistic Swimming: Kazakhstan’s Duo Shine
Away from the intensity of the water polo pool, the Artistic Swimming events delivered elegance and excellence. Kazakhstan’s Karina Magrupova clinched gold in the Women’s Solo Free, displaying remarkable synchronization and poise, while Viktor Druzin topped the Men’s Solo Free category with a technically brilliant and expressive routine.
Their performances added another successful chapter to Kazakhstan’s campaign in Ahmedabad, underlining the nation’s all-around aquatic prowess.
As the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships enter the midway stage, Kazakhstan, Japan, China, and Iran have all asserted early dominance across disciplines. For India, the men’s water polo team will need to regroup quickly and focus on improving their defensive structure and transitions.
Despite the heavy defeat, positives emerged particularly the spirited performance of Bhagesh Jagdish Kuthe, whose three-goal effort underscored his attacking instinct and leadership potential. With matches still to come, India will aim to convert these flashes of promise into more competitive performances in the days ahead.
The action continues on Tuesday, with key fixtures in both men’s and women’s groups that could shape the semi-final race and India looking to bounce back stronger in the pool.
