Since underwater hockey began in 2004, how has it expanded? How many members are there now?
In 2004 when UWH sessions were first held regularly at Queenstown Swimming Complex, there were about 10-15 active players that would turn up every week.
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Currently, we have about 30-40 active players that would turn up for our thrice a week sessions.
Who started the Sport in Singapore? And when?
Singapore’s first UWH club was started by Christine Alindada, Greg Bush and Joey Carpio on a Friday evening, 6 August 2004 at Queenstown Swimming Complex. |
What is the demographic of the members – gender, age, sports abilities?
Underwater hockey players in Singapore range in age from as young as 8 years old to their 60s!
The game’s enthusiasts come from a variety of lifestyle backgrounds… from aquatic athletes who have represented Singapore in swimming and water polo, to leisure scuba divers of all levels… from group sports players from football, rugby and volleyball who are familiar with functioning as a team, to individual competitors from running, triathlon, rock climbing who wanted to try something different… underwater hockey players enjoy the game for its sheer fun and its challenges, as well as for its significant benefits to fitness and health.
When did you guys start competing in tournaments and how has they changed over the years? What have been the accolades earned?
SUHC began competing against other clubs in its first couple of years through friendly matches against the Philippine club PUHC. |
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Competition was formalised and taken up another level through the founding of the Asian Underwater Hockey Championship (AUHC) between Japan, the Philippines and Singapore in 2007.
This regional competition has since grown to include Indonesia and China. |
| Over the years, the club has also sent teams or players to other tournaments such as the Australian Nationals, Japan Invitational, Manila Invitational, and China Cup.
Singapore’s men and women Elite Teams are currently the Southeast Asian champions having won 4 gold medals in the 4x4 and 6x6 formats in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
SUHC’s players, as Singapore’s representatives for this sport continue to train, strive and improve regionally. |
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Since 2004, how has the scene here evolved and what do you think is the appeal of these alternative sports that are a twist on the usual sports or a hybrid of them?
Over years since SUHC’s founding, awareness of UWH has grown through exposure in mainstream media, and through people picking up the sport and spreading the word to their friends and colleagues. |
Our sport attracts those seeking a fun yet challenging activity… one which constantly pushes you to your limits, where you suddenly discover you can do even more. As to explain the how and the why… put simply, because breathing can wait.
