Fit Dutch student water polo team cause media storm in Taiwan

The photo in question. Photo: beeldboot/Gertjan Kooij

A photograph of the Dutch men’s water polo team has created a media hype in Taiwan where the team is taking part in the Universiade games – an international sports event for student teams.

The hype began when coach Robin van Galen uploaded the photograph with several others to his Twitter account ahead of the start of the tournament. ‘Somehow the photograph ended up on social media and has taken on a life of its own. The papers are onto the story,’ he said on Twitter.

‘A television crew from national tv came to film our training session… which was sent out live to millions of people. Now all the games are sold out. ‘People don’t understand water polo but this positive hype is down to a sexy photo of trained men in swimming costumes that are too small.’

The Universiade takes place from August 19 to 30. The Dutch men’s water polo team are first in action on Friday night.

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