Underwater Hockey Olympics – Also Known As Octopush

You may have heard about field hockey or ice hockey, but underworld hockey? That seems like a new term. It’s hockey, but you have to play underwater, wearing swimming gear. Also is underwater hockey Olympics a thing yet? In this article, I’ll answer all your questions about underwater hockey. Let’s go,

Origin

It was invented back in 1954 in Great Britain. The initial intention was to train divers & British Commandos. International Olympic Committee now recognizes it. However, people can’t play this game in the Olympics yet. Underwater hockey Olympics is yet to see daylight.

Is underwater hockey a real sport?

Yes, underwater hockey is a real sport. It is a team sport played in pools with snorkels and fins, using a special stick to hit a puck into the other team’s goal. The game is fast-paced and requires good swimming skills, as well as good hand-eye coordination.

Current Scenario

With more than 15,000 participants, this game is played in 40 countries at the moment.

How is it played?

Each team will have six players. They will move around a weighted puck and try to score. There’s a goal bar at each end about 9 feet wide.

Is there any goalie?

There’s no goalie. Each team will try to defend and score with their game strategies.

Who will judge?

There will be two referees who will continuously monitor the game. No pulling & grabbing is allowed in this sport.

Pool Dimension

The pool dimension for this game is 25m x 15m.

Puck Weight

The puck weighs around 1.5 kg which is about 3 pounds.

Players Costume?

Each player will wear large fins to help in their movement. They will also have snorkels on. In addition, they’ll carry a small stick which is also known as a pusher stick. The stick will help players to move the puck.

Game Duration

The game is divided into two halves. Each halftime is 15 minutes. First, the puck is placed in the middle of the pool. Then, when the game starts, players will dive from each end of the pool and reach the puck and try to get it in their possession.

How Do Players Breathe

There’s no oxygen tank provided in this game, which means it’s all on the players. Most players can hold their breath for up to 30 seconds. In this time, they need to dive inside, get the puck, pass the puck to their team members or help them score a goal. Then they have to come back up for breathing.

What are the health benefits of underwater hockey?

There are a number of health benefits associated with playing underwater hockey. These include improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength and endurance, and better joint flexibility. Additionally, the sport can help improve balance and coordination, as well as providing a good workout for the core muscles.

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