How Water Polo Can Grow Globally – Dragan Jovanović on Coaching, Media & Leadership

In this international episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, I speak with Dragan Jovanović, former Serbian national team goalkeeper, longtime head coach of the Canadian national team, and current Executive Director of the World Water Polo Coaches Association. Dragan shares his unique perspective from Europe, North America and the international federation level, and explains why every challenge is an opportunity to do something extraordinary.

We talk about his journey from Partizan Belgrade to the Yugoslav national teams, and later his move to Canada, where he spent many years building national programs as a head coach, high-performance director and federation leader. Dragan explains the key differences between European water polo culture and the North American sports system, especially in terms of professionalism, funding, athlete development and long-term planning.

A central focus of the episode is his current work with the World Water Polo Coaches Association:
– Global coach education
– International certification programs
– Digital education platforms
– Cooperation with FINA / World Aquatics
– The worldwide impact of COVID-19 on clubs, national teams and youth development

Dragan explains why water polo urgently needs a second strong global market beyond Europe (North America, Asia or Australia), why marketing, media visibility and financial independence are critical for the sport’s survival, and why sports organizations must learn to think more like modern businesses.

We also discuss:
– International rule changes and their impact on the game
– Referee education and game fairness
– The evolution toward faster and more dynamic water polo
– Post-pandemic challenges and opportunities
– Global youth development and talent pathways
– Why passion will always be the foundation of success

Topics of this episode:
– Dragan Jovanović’s international water polo career
– European vs. North American water polo systems
– World Water Polo Coaches Association
– Global coach education & certification
– FINA / World Aquatics & rule development
– Marketing & professionalization of water polo
– Financial independence of federations
– COVID-19 and its long-term effects on the sport
– Youth development & emerging global markets
– Leadership, vision & passion in elite sport

This episode is a must-listen for coaches, players, federation officials and water polo fans worldwide who want to understand how the sport can grow on a truly global and sustainable level.