Interview with Reza Soleimani: a journey through Water Polo across Iran, Canada, and New Zealand
Farzad Youshanlou
January 24, 2025

In a series of interviews with prominent sports figures, I had the pleasure of speaking with Reza Soleimani, a former coach of the Merist water polo team in New Zealand. Soleimani, a seasoned and highly respected figure in Canadian and New Zealand water polo, led his teams to victory in New Zealand’s national club league championships in 2013 and 2017. His extensive coaching experience also includes leading Canada’s junior national team and serving as an assistant coach for the senior national team.

Soleimani’s journey began in Iran, where he recalls his early years swimming in the rivers near Tehran. Introduced to swimming pools by local coaches in the early 1970s, a time when Iran was experiencing a sporting renaissance, he quickly gained attention for his talent. At 16, he was invited to join the Iranian national water polo team, and by the age of 17, he earned a bronze medal at the 1984 Asian Water Polo Championships in Seoul.

In Canada, he also led the Calgary Torpedoes Youth Team to first place in the 2006–2007 Canadian championships and, two years later, guided the Sea Wolves Club to the national level.

Merist Water Polo team – New Zealand, 2017

ASIAN GAMES IN SEOUL

However, Soleimani’s career took a significant turn in 1986, following the Asian Games in Seoul. He decided not to return to Iran, citing the ideological pressures imposed on athletes. In a controversial and inhumane decision, the South Korean government handed him and several other Iranian athletes, including wrestlers and football players, over to Iranian authorities. They were detained for a month upon their return but were eventually released through the efforts of the United Nations.

Soleimani is outspoken about the exclusion of Iranian women from aquatic sports, calling it one of the most disgraceful policies in the history of Iran’s sports. He also criticizes the International Olympic Committee and World Aquatics for their lack of action. “Under the Pahlavi regime, before the Ayatollahs came to power, we swam alongside women in pools without any social or cultural issues,” he says, contrasting the past with the current situation.

Soleimani takes great pride in his achievements with New Zealand’s Merist water polo team. In 2013, he led the men’s team to victory in New Zealand’s national championship, and in 2017, he returned to coach both the men’s and women’s teams, securing another set of championship titles.

Aria Soleimani, Canada national team

LAKE OF INVESTMENT IN YOUTH

Soleimani explains the unique significance of water polo, noting that it was the first team sport included in the Summer Olympics. “The sport is inherently linked to swimming. A water polo player must control the ball and swim across the pool repeatedly in four quarters. The physical strength and endurance required to succeed are immense,” he says.

When asked why Canada struggles to make a significant impact on the global water polo stage, Soleimani is direct. “Canada’s men’s team is a second-tier team on the world stage. They are far behind powerhouses like Serbia, Hungary, Greece, Croatia, United States, Italy, and Russia. The women’s team, however, performs better due to more effective planning and investment in youth development.”

Soleimani also credits Dragan Jovanovic, who coached the Canadian men’s national team from 2004 to 2013. Under Jovanovic’s leadership, Canada achieved a major milestone by qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a significant achievement since their last qualification in 1984. “Jovanovic elevated the team, but the lack of proper infrastructure and support systems for long-term development ultimately placed Canada back into the second-tier group.”

Reza Soleimani’s journey is a testament to his determination and passion for water polo. From his early days swimming in Iran’s rivers to achieving international coaching success, his story reflects not only his personal achievements but also the broader challenges and triumphs of the sport across various cultures and nations.

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