Hong Kong hosts demanding underwater hockey tournament

Hong Kong recently hosted an underwater hockey tournament, attracting competitors from across Asia to participate in the physically taxing sport. Players use snorkel masks, fins, and short, curved sticks to maneuver a weighted puck along the bottom of a swimming pool while managing breath-holding requirements.

Matches consist of two 15-minute halves with a three-minute break. Competitors described the experience as a significant physical challenge, noting that the intense focus on scoring often makes the difficulty of breath-holding even more apparent. Despite the rigor, participants noted that the shared struggle fosters a tight-knit community among players.

Originally known as ‘octopush,’ the sport was invented in England in 1954 to help divers maintain fitness during the winter. While not currently an Olympic sport, it is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and debuted at the Southeast Asian Games in 2019. Organizers expressed hope that advancements in underwater camera technology and social media coverage will improve the spectator experience and help the sport move toward its goal of Olympic inclusion.