Croatia has announced plans to build a new National Aquatics Centre in Zagreb, featuring two Olympic-sized swimming pools, a diving pool and spectator facilities for 5,000 people.
The Croatian government formally backed the project on Thursday, November 5, marking a significant development for the country’s water polo infrastructure.
New Home for Croatian Aquatics
The facility will be constructed on the site of the Faculty of Kinesiology in Zagreb, providing dedicated infrastructure for water polo, swimming, artistic swimming and diving.
The project has been developed through cooperation between the government, the Croatian Swimming Federation and the Croatian Water Polo Federation.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced the decision during a government meeting, highlighting water polo’s position as Croatia’s most successful team sport since independence.
Potential Venue for Major International Competitions
Beyond providing training facilities for athletes, the proposed centre is intended to strengthen Zagreb’s ability to host major international aquatics competitions.
With spectator capacity for 5,000 people, the development could provide a substantial new venue for international water polo tournaments.
Croatia has an established history of hosting major water polo events, including the 2024 Men’s European Championships, which took place in Zagreb and Dubrovnik.
The new facility would represent another significant investment in the country’s aquatic sports infrastructure.
Investment in Future Generations
The government has emphasised the importance of creating improved training conditions for younger athletes.
The centre is intended to support the development of future generations while providing modern facilities for established national teams.
The announcement represents government backing for the project rather than the completion of construction.
A confirmed opening date and final construction budget have not yet been announced.
For Croatian water polo, the proposed development could strengthen both elite preparation and long-term player development, while creating further opportunities to stage international competitions in Zagreb.
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