HOPING FOR A LICENCE

The Azerbaijani capital has become the host of another large-scale sporting event. This time, Baku hosted the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup for the first time in history. The event was held on May 3-5, 2024. The competition was not just a sporting event; it was, without exaggeration, a magnificent show. Musical performances, dance compositions joined by the audience, and unexpected flash mobs were enjoyed by all participants of this holiday without exception.

Gymnast Battles

One hundred sixty female athlets from 37 countries competed for the medals of the European Cup at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku. A distinctive feature of the tournament was the introduction of cross meets (cross-battles) to determine the winner of the all-around competition for the first time. Following the results of the qualification, the top 16 reached the 1/8 finals, where half performed exercises with a hoop in duels against another gymnast, and the remaining participants competed in the same format with ball exercises.

Among the adult individual gymnasts, Stilyana Nikolova (Bulgaria) secured the gold medal, Sofia Raffaeli (Italy) the silver, and Darya Atamanov (Israel) the bronze. In addition to the top three, other representatives of the star six received cash prizes.

Members of the Azerbaijani national team, Zohra Aghamirova, withdrew from the competition in the 1/4 finals and secured 8th place, while Kamilla Seyidzade reached the 1/8 finals and took 16th place, respectively.

Azerbaijan's first medal in this prestigious competition came from the adult group exercise team. The gymnasts ascended to the third step of the podium in 3 ribbons and 2 balls (scoring 29.950) and all-around (71.550), winning two bronze medals. In hoop skills, the Azerbaijani team earned fourth place with a score of 36.950.

On the last day of the European Cup, the young gymnasts excelled. Ilaha Bahadyrova clinched second place in individual performances with ball exercises (31.550), and Shams Aghahuseynova with ribbons (30.250).

Zohra Aghamirova placed fourth in the final ribbon programme, sixth with the ball, and eighth with the hoop.

Thus, Azerbaijan concluded the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup with two bronze and two silver medals.

"We will fight to the end."

Laman Alimuradova, a member of the Azerbaijani group exercises team and bronze medallist, expressed satisfaction with the performance results: "We are content with the outcome. I believe we could have achieved more. We must intensify our efforts. After this tournament, we will prepare for the European Championship, which serves as a qualifier for the Olympics. We will fight to the very end to secure a licence for Paris 2024, as this is our primary objective. It necessitates a successful performance at the European Championship."

Zeynab Hummatova, in turn, is elated that Baku hosts prestigious tournaments: "Competing in our homeland is a special delight. During our performance, we felt the fans' support, which motivated us to excel. We are pleased to participate in such competitions. This year's European Cup featured an innovation in the individual programme, which I believe will heighten competition among gymnasts. I hope similar innovations will be introduced for group exercise teams as well."

The Azerbaijani group exercise gymnasts will compete once more at the European Championships at the end of May. This esteemed competition will be the final qualifier for the Olympic Games in Paris. Consequently, the team crowned as the European champion will earn their place at the Olympics.