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Can underwater hockey be considered a niche sport or is it gaining popularity?

Demetric Kiossel

Underwater hockey, also known as Octopush, has been around for almost 70 years but it's still not the most well-known sport out there. However, it would not be accurate to say that it is a niche sport as it is gaining popularity in different parts of the world.

One of the reasons why underwater hockey is not as popular as other sports is that it is not as easy to access as, say, football or basketball. Since the game is played underwater, players require specialized equipment such as fins, a mask, a snorkel, and a stick. These requirements make it challenging for people to take up the sport, especially those who live in areas with no access to a pool or a suitable body of water.

That being said, underwater hockey has proven to be a fun and exciting game for those who have had the opportunity to play it. Players describe it as a unique combination of physical and mental challenges, as one has to navigate and maneuver in a different environment while trying to score a goal.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in underwater hockey, particularly in European countries such as the UK, France, and Germany. National and international competitions are being held more often, which helps to increase the visibility of the sport. There are also more clubs and teams being created, which shows that there is a demand for the sport.

Moreover, underwater hockey has also found a way to incorporate technology to make the sport more accessible. For instance, some games are now being played in video game format, which allows players to participate in the game even if they do not have access to a pool. This clever innovation not only attracts new players to the sport, but it also serves as a training tool for existing players.

In conclusion, while it may be true that underwater hockey is not as popular as other sports, it is gaining popularity and cannot be considered a niche sport. With the growing interest in the UK, France, and Germany, and the incorporation of technology to make the sport more accessible, we can only expect that underwater hockey will continue to grow and gain more followers in the years to come. Who knows, it might even become a mainstream sport in the future.