Medal hopeful helping water polo make waves

Water polo has often struggled for recognition in China, but Xiong Dunhan is determined to change all that by raising awareness of the sport.

Xiong plays as a center forward for the Chinese women's water polo team, and regularly posts updates about her life and training with the national squad on her Weibo account.

"I've always tried to promote water polo by showcasing the unity and happiness of our team on social media. In this way, we can open this sport to the public," said the 23-year-old Xiong, who is currently competing at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where China is bidding to win its fourth straight title in the event.

With over two million followers on Weibo, Xiong admits that all the attention is flattering, but is more concerned with growing her sport's profile than her own.

"I am glad that a lot of people like me, but I hope more people will like this sport and give some attention to China's water polo team," she said.

Her efforts seem to have paid off. In China's matches at the Asiad, the stands at Huanglong Sports Center Aquatic Sports Arena have been around 80 percent full.

"In the past, there were barely any spectators at domestic water polo competitions. But since the World University Games in Chengdu, we have seen more spectators coming to watch the action," said Xiong, who helped China win gold at the Universiade in August. "We feel really excited and more motivated."

Sometimes referred to as "underwater football", water polo is a very physically demanding sport. Xiong has suffered plenty of injuries over the years, but these setbacks never diminish her passion for the sport.

"The physical confrontations as a center forward are intense. I have sustained frequent fractures to my feet and hands," Xiong said. "But this hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for water polo."

Indeed, Xiong clearly relishes the action, as well as the teamwork.

"Water polo has given me a lot of unique experiences. If I could turn back time, I would still choose to be a water polo player," she said.

The Chinese team has won all three women's water polo tournaments at the Asian Games (2010, 2014 and 2018), and Xiong is eager to defend the title and extend the win streak in front of her home fans.

"If we win here, I believe it will be the best way to promote water polo in China," she said.

Xinhua