FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup officially opened in Baku

The opening ceremony of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup has opened at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza reported.

Traditionally, the athletes representing all types of gymnastics, as well as members and choreographers of national gymnastics teams are taking part in the opening ceremony.

The key theme of the ceremony is the interaction of the four elements - fire, land, air and water, which played an important role in the creation of mankind. 

The organizers promise that the harmony of modern lighting effects, images on a large monitor and dynamic music will make the opening ceremony a grandiose show.

The opening ceremony was addressed by head of the Department of Youth Policy and Sport Issues of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Yusuf Mammadaliyev.

He recalled that today, Azerbaijan hosts the large-scale international competitions, as well as the European and World Championships at the high level and it is known as a sports country in the world.

"Namely, these days, the famous European Formula 1 stars demonstrate their mastery in the central streets of our city within the framework of the Grand Prix events. I am confident these competitions, as always, will be held successfully and our country will be remembered with its hospitality once again," Mammadaliyev noted.

"Today we watch the elegant and fascinating performances of stars of rhythmic gymnastics, which has become a favorite sport discipline of the young girls in our country for the last years. The representatives of the Baku Rhythmic Gymnastics School enter into rivalry with the famous gymnasts and represent our country on the international arena with dignity. All this success makes us happy," the head of the Department of Youth Policy and Sport Issues of the Administration of the President of Azerbaijan said.

“These achievements are naturally the result of right sports policy of our government and its attention paid to the development of youth under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev,” he said.

“Gymnastics disciplines experience speedy progress thanks to the work directed to the development of gymnastics and led by Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President, President of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Mehriban Aliyeva. Not only the national gymnasts, but also the foreign athletes, joining the training camp and events, benefit from the conditions created for our athletes," Mammadaliyev said.

"The competitors from 25 countries gathered in Azerbaijan to take part in today’s spectacular World Cup events. Undoubtedly, the tense contest for the medals between the gymnasts will make us to feel excitement and give us a chance to be a part of gymnastics festival. Most importantly, the current event will help the gymnasts to improve their skills and contribute to the increase of interest in this sports discipline, as well as facilitate to its further development," the head of the Department of Youth Policy and Sport Issues concluded.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup is being at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku on April 27-29.  Some 127 gymnasts from 26 countries are participating in the tournament. Depending on the results of the qualification, the winners of all-around and the participants of the finals in individual apparatus in both types of programs will be determined. Athletes will compete for 8 medal sets.