FIVE MEDALS

The European Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup, hosted by Azerbaijan for the second time from May 1 to 4, once again impressed audiences with spectacular performances and intense competition. Gymnasts from 25 countries competed fiercely for medals. Musical performances, specially choreographed dance routines, and unexpected flash-mobs captivated spectators of all ages. A distinctive feature of this European Cup was the inclusion of "cross bouts" between teams during the group stages.

One gold and four bronzes

The first day featured individual competitions. In the senior category, gymnasts performed routines with hoop and ball. Azerbaijan was represented by Govhar Ibrahimova and Kamilla Seyidzade. On the second day, winners in senior events with hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon were determined. Ukraine’s Taisia Onofriychuk claimed gold in clubs, Italy’s Tara Dragas took silver, while Bulgaria’s Dara Malinova earned bronze. In ribbon routines, Taisia Onofriychuk again secured gold; silver went to Tara Dragas (Italy) and bronze to Amalia Liki (Romania).

In senior group events with 3 balls and 2 hoops, Azerbaijan’s team won the gold medal. Ukraine took silver and Italy claimed bronze. In the five ribbons event, Italy emerged victorious, followed by Estonia in second place and Bulgaria in third.

On day three, the junior group competed in events with 5 hoops and 5 pairs of clubs. The gold medal was awarded to Bulgaria’s athletes, silver to Ukraine, and bronze to Israel.

In the "cross bouts," Azerbaijan’s team secured a bronze medal.

On the final day of the competition, junior gymnast Shams Aghahuseynova from Azerbaijan won bronze performing with ribbon in the individual classification programme. Thus, Azerbaijan finished the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup with one gold and four bronze medals.

Gratitude to supporters

Laman Alimuradova, a member of Azerbaijan’s group exercise team who won gold at the European Cup, shared her thoughts with R+: "I am proud to be the first gymnast after whose performance the Azerbaijani National Anthem was played under the roof of the National Gymnastics Arena. We performed two new routines. I am proud of my teammates. Many thanks to everyone who supports us. We are deeply grateful to the federation and coaches who contributed greatly to our success."

It is worth noting that Alimuradova’s team—comprising Darya Sorokina, Elizaveta Luzan, Kamilla Aliyeva, and Sofia Mammadova—stood on the highest step of the podium for exercises with 3 balls and 2 hoops.

Looking Ahead to Tallinn

New challenges await Azerbaijani gymnasts in early June as they prepare to compete in the continental championship organised by European Gymnastics in Tallinn. Azerbaijan will be represented by a full team at this event. In individual senior competitions, Kamilla Seyidzade, Govhar Ibrahimova, and Zohra Jafarova will perform. The team will also include Laman Alimuradova, Darya Sorokina, Elizaveta Luzan, Güllü Aghalarzade, Kamilla Aliyeva, and Sofia Mammadova.

A junior group comprising Nazrin Abdullayeva, Röya Alikishiyeva, Ayan Nasirova, Shams Muvaffagi, Nilufar Orujlu, and Nazrin Salmanly will also compete in Tallinn. The European Championship will take place from June 4 to 8 and will feature gymnasts from 39 countries.