The 1964 Tokyo Olympics marked the first time water polo was held in a purpose-built indoor Olympic pool, at the newly constructed Yoyogi National Gymnasium.
Key Facts
- Venue
- Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Shibuya, Tokyo
- Venue capacity
- Over 13,000 spectators
- Venue construction
- Built 1961–1964
- Tournament format
- 4 preliminary groups, 2 semifinals, finals
- Teams advancing per group
- 2 per group to semifinals
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
As part of the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, water polo required a dedicated aquatic facility. The Yoyogi National Gymnasium was constructed between 1961 and 1964 to serve as the first purpose-built indoor pool for Olympic water polo, replacing the outdoor venues used in previous Games.
The water polo tournament took place at Yoyogi National Gymnasium starting October 18, 1964. Two teams from each of four preliminary groups advanced to two semifinals, with preliminary and semifinal scores carried forward. The four semifinal participants then competed for the medals under this cumulative scoring system.
The use of a large indoor pool with capacity exceeding 13,000 spectators set a new standard for Olympic aquatic venues. The cumulative scoring format, carrying results from preliminary rounds through the finals, influenced how water polo tournament structures were designed and evaluated in subsequent Olympic competitions.