Underwater Rugby in Canada: a New Challenge for Extreme Sports Fans And Parimatch Clients
When it comes to unusual sports, underwater rugby has a special place. This amazing hybrid of water polo, hockey, and traditional rugby challenges not only the physical capabilities of the athletes but also the conventional wisdom of fans and customers of bookmakers such as Parimatch in Canada. In 2024, underwater rugby is experiencing a real boom in popularity, attracting more attention from extreme sports fans, fans of unusual spectacles, and adventurous bettors.
History And Rules of Underwater Rugby
This sport appeared about 60 years ago in Germany. It served as training for divers. However, this hobby quickly grew into a full-fledged sport with its own rules and competitions.
Basic rules of underwater rugby:
- The game takes place in a pool 3.5-5 meters deep.
- Each team has six players (+ 6 reserves) equipped with masks, fins, and snorkels.
- The goal is to throw a ball filled with salt water into a basket at the bottom of the pool on the opponent's side.
The match lasts for 2 halves with breaks between them of 5 minutes, each lasting 15 minutes.
Despite its apparent simplicity, underwater rugby requires athletes to have excellent physical fitness and the ability to hold their breath, as well as to think strategically, because all actions take place in three-dimensional space underwater. This unique mix makes underwater rugby one of the most exciting and unpredictable sports, gradually winning the hearts of Canadian fans and Parimatch customers.
Underwater Rugby in Canada
Although underwater rugby cannot yet rival the popularity of traditional sports such as hockey or football, it is rapidly gaining momentum in Canada. According to the Canadian Underwater Sports Association, the number of registered underwater rugby players in 2024 has increased by 35% compared to the previous year.
The most significant centers for the development of underwater rugby in Canada:
- Toronto (clubs Underwater Rugby Ontario, Toronto Underwater Rugby Club)
- Vancouver (Vancouver Underwater Rugby Association)
- Montreal (Montreal Underwater Rugby Club)
The growing popularity of this sport is attracting the attention of not only new players but also sponsors, media, and, of course, bookmakers. Companies such as Parimatch already offer their customers in Canada the opportunity to bet on major international underwater rugby tournaments, and they plan to expand the line to local competitions in the future.
Prospects for Development And Betting on Underwater Rugby
As underwater rugby wins new fans around the world, so do the prospects for its development as a professional sport. In 2024, the World Confederation of Underwater Activities (CMAS) announced plans to host the first-ever Underwater Rugby World Cup in 2025.
This event is expected to attract even more attention to underwater rugby and become an actual holiday for players, fans, and bettors worldwide, including Canada. Bookmakers like Parimatch are already preparing for an influx of people wanting to bet on this unique competition.