2 days ago
New Zealand's Blackfins And Silverfins Strike Gold In Historic Asia-Oceania Championships
New Zealand's best underwater hockey players have returned from Kuala Lumpur with an outstanding medal haul — three golds and one silver, after a history-making campaign at the inaugural Asia-Oceania Inter-Continental Championships (ICC).
While Underwater Hockey World Championships have been held since the 1980s, this was the first time a formal regional qualifier has been staged. The ICC was introduced in response to the sport's rapid global growth and increasing participation, particularly across Asia-Pacific.
Four New Zealand squads — Men's Masters, Women's Masters, Elite Women (Silverfins) and Elite Men (Blackfins) — all faced off against Australia in their finals. The Men's Masters, Elite Women and Elite Men divisions brought home gold, while the Women's Masters secured silver.
'As both President of UWHNZ and a fellow player, I am very proud of the results the New Zealand squad has achieved in Kuala Lumpur,' says Lisa McCosh, President of Underwater Hockey New Zealand. 'The athletes' extensive training prepared them for the gruelling final games against Australia, which were incredible to watch. In particular, the two elite finals that went into overtime displayed an impressive level of athleticism.'
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
One family embodied the Kiwi spirit on tour: the Brosnans of Nelson. Rebecca and Bruno Brosnan, both Masters players, competed alongside their daughter Chantal in the Elite Women's team. Chantal's team not only claimed ICC Champion honours, but also played what is believed to be the longest sudden-death match in international underwater hockey history, a battle won through sheer fitness, mental toughness, and trust. For the Brosnans, returning home with medals across multiple divisions was a rare and special achievement.
'We're absolutely stoked,' says Rebecca, who also serves as UWHNZ High Performance Lead and Elite Women's Team Manager. 'For our whole family to come home with medals from the same tournament is phenomenal.'
The ICC marks an exciting shift for the sport, with countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, China, and Singapore building stronger competitive pathways. For New Zealand's players and coaches, this expansion is as significant as the results.
'This is about more than just medals,' says Emma Rae, Elite Men's Coach. 'It's about sharing our love for the game and helping it grow globally.'
About Underwater Hockey
Underwater hockey is a fast, inclusive team sport played on the bottom of the pool. Players wear masks, snorkels and fins, using short sticks to push a puck into the opposing goal. New Zealand is a global leader in the sport, with multiple world titles across junior, elite and masters levels.
