Turin: Hockey World Events, Teams, and Stories from the City

When you think of Turin, a major city in northern Italy known for its industrial history and cultural landmarks. Also known as Torino, it’s not the first place you’d expect to find underwater hockey—but it’s played a surprising role in the global growth of the sport. Turin hosted key matches during the 2016 Hockey World Championships, bringing together teams from South Africa, Australia, and Europe in a high-stakes underwater battle. While the event was officially based in South Africa, Turin’s involvement came through its national team’s participation and the city’s reputation for hosting elite aquatic events. The cold, clear waters of its indoor pools made it a practical training ground for teams preparing for the global stage.

Turin’s connection to underwater hockey isn’t just about venues. It’s about people. Several players from South Africa’s national squad trained in Turin before the 2016 event, drawn by its advanced pool facilities and experienced coaching staff. The city’s sports science labs helped analyze breath control and movement efficiency—critical for a sport where every second underwater counts. Even now, coaches from Cape Town and Johannesburg reference Turin’s training protocols when preparing for international competitions. The sport doesn’t get much spotlight, but in Turin, underwater hockey has deep roots in athlete development.

What’s more, Turin’s role helped shift how people see the sport. It’s not just a niche activity in Australia or South Africa—it’s a global game. Teams from Italy, France, and Germany started taking it more seriously after seeing how seriously Turin treated the competition. Local clubs began forming, and youth programs emerged, inspired by the 2016 event’s intensity. You won’t find billboards for it on the streets of Turin, but in the poolside corners of sports academies, you’ll hear whispers of the matches that changed everything.

Below, you’ll find articles that tie Turin to the bigger picture: player interviews from South African teams who trained there, match summaries from the 2016 tournament that included Turin-based officials, and behind-the-scenes looks at how a European city became an unlikely hub for a sport born in the oceans. This isn’t just about one city. It’s about how underwater hockey grew beyond its borders—and why Turin mattered more than most realize.