TIME OF YOUNG GRACES

The National Gymnastics Arena in Baku has hosted the 21st championship of Azerbaijan, the championship of Baku and the first Interregional Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup. The competition, held on 11-12 December, will stick in mind with a record number of participants - 112 gymnasts vied for the right to be the best in separate categories. This shows a significant increase in interest in gymnastics in recent years. In addition to gymnasts from Baku, the competition was also joined by athletes from Goycay, Kurdamir and Qusar. The competitions were held in several age categories. The young graces competed in exercises with a ribbon, ball, clubs and hoops and without any instruments.

Among the gymnasts born in 2004, the gold medal was awarded to Arzu Calilova, who was flying the flag for Club Neftci. Narmina Samadova and Zarifa Basirova took second and third places in this category respectively.

Among the athletes born in 2005, first place was awarded to Selcan Hacizada. Slightly losing to her, Narmin Bayramova won the "silver". The third in this category was a pupil of the Baku Gymnastics School, Elnara Cabbarova.

A serious fight for medals unfolded among 8-year-old gymnasts. The bronze medal was won by Fidan Yusifzada, who received 28.05 points for her exercises. At the same time, Elmira Mammadova, who took second place, got 28.65 points from the referees. Such a small difference in the score shows the entire intensity of the struggle among the young gymnasts. The gold medal was won by a pupil of the Neftci fitness centre, Cahan Asadova.

The unconditional favourite of the competition among the gymnasts born in 1999-2001 was Jala Piriyeva. Repeatedly representing Azerbaijan in the international arena, Piriyeva did not allow a sensation to happen and took first place. The silver in this category went to a member of Club Spartak, Leyla Ibrahimova, and the bronze - to a pupil of the Baku Gymnastics School, Madina Mustafayeva.

Among girls born in 2002/2003, the first two places were taken by pupils of the Ocaq School, Yelizabeta Luzan and Narin Qurbanova, respectively. The bronze medal went to Vafa Hasanzada.

The winner of the First Interregional Cup was Narmin Bayramova, who gained 28.2 points.

The silver and bronze medals of the Cup were awarded to representatives of Qusar District, Latifa Sultaliyeva and Asiman Orduxanova.

The head coach of the Azerbaijani national rhythmic gymnastics team, Mariana Vasileva, who watched the competition, noted the good level of the athletes' fitness. "For two days we watched interesting and varied compositions. This year we saw a large number of participants compared to previous years. Competition between athletes from regions is very pleasing. This is an indication of interest in gymnastics in Azerbaijan. Parents are happy to bring their children to the gym. On the other hand, the excellent conditions created by the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation inspire us to work even better. The opportunity to participate in competitions held at such a beautiful National Gymnastics Arena stimulates every athlete," Vasileva said.

Participation in competitions along with the Baku Gymnastics School and representatives of regions is particularly noteworthy and important for coaches. This suggests that gymnastics is widespread across the country. These young graces, who distinguished themselves in the competition, will represent Azerbaijan in the international arena in different age categories.

AT FIRST HAND

"Competition between athletes from regions is very pleasing. This is an indication of interest in gymnastics in Azerbaijan. Parents are happy to bring their children to the gym. On the other hand, the excellent conditions created by the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation inspire us to work even better."

Mariana Vasileva, head coach of the Azerbaijani

national rhythmic gymnastics team