There have been many memorable moments in a sensational International Canoe Federation season. In the 10th of our moments of 2024, we look back at when the New Zealand women clinched the ICF Canoe Polo World Championships title.
Two years after a fourth-place finish behind the Italians at the 2022 World Championships in Saint Omar, France, New Zealand were ruthless as they won the title in China.
So much so that the Paddle Ferns made it look like a group-stage game, dominating the Italians 6-1 in the final in Deqing.
It was a slow start to the game with both teams playing carefully, but all that changed with five minutes to go in the first half.
Emma Malcolm and Tania Dugdale started the proceedings, opening the floodgates, with four more goals in the second half.
While the Italians got a consolation through Chiara Trevisa, it was too little, too late.
The win was extra special as it was their first world title since the 2016 World Championships in Syracuse, Italy.
Skipper Kate Blincoe credited the 2016 team for inspiring them to glory.
The celebrations that followed were sensational, with colleagues jumping in for a splash.
A special mention to the all the New Zealand team members who performed a fierce rendition of the Haka, the ceremonial dance in the Māori culture.
View this post on Instagram
“The game's not over until it's over,” Blincoe said after the game.
“Even if we put a couple away early, we kept working right to the end. I guess the scoreline does reflect how hard we work throughout the game.
“We were inspired by the 2016 New Zealand senior women’s team who won gold and following in their footsteps is cool.
“It is so nice to bring it home for the country.”
Related links
