Gunfire Halts Women’s U20 Water Polo Match in Brazil, No Injuries Reported

Opening day at the under-20 Women’s Water Polo World Cup in Salvador, Brazil, got an unexpected jolt on Sunday when gunshots rang out near the venue during a match between China and Canada.

China, who eventually won 12–8, was leading 3–2 when the sound of gunfire stopped play. Footage shows players quickly climbing out of the pool, taking cover behind a low barrier, and lying down until the situation was under control.

Marco Antonio Lemos, head of the Bahia state water sports federation, said the interruption lasted about a minute. “Our team saw that the police were taking care of it,” he said on Monday.

According to local police, the shots came from a confrontation with a suspected thief outside the Pituba neighbourhood venue. The suspect reportedly tried to flee before being intercepted. Authorities have not released further details.

The crowd was informed of the incident only after the game resumed. No injuries were reported, and the tournament — being hosted in Brazil for the first time with 16 teams participating — continued as scheduled.