17th Artistic Gymnastics WC kicks off

The 17th edition of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Taishan) got underway on Wednesday in Doha and will continue through April 19, bringing together a world-class field of gymnasts from across the globe.

Among the most prominent delegations are those from Armenia, China, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, and Great Britain, underscoring the event’s international prestige and competitive significance. All athletes are aiming to deliver their best performances and secure top results.

The organising committee has allocated a total prize pool of $50,000, with $5,000 awarded for each of the 10 apparatus events — six for men and four for women. Prizes will be distributed to the top eight finishers in each event. The tournament features 95 male and 55 female gymnasts, with 35 international judges overseeing the competition.

As expected, the championship began with a high level of intensity. The qualification rounds, spread over two days, started on Wednesday with events on five apparatus: three for men — floor exercise (16 gymnasts), pommel horse (21 gymnasts), and still rings (13 gymnasts) — and two for women — vault and uneven bars, each with 12 gymnasts competing.

Today, the qualifications will continue with the remaining five apparatus: the men will compete on vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar, while the women will contest balance beam and floor exercise. Eight gymnasts from each apparatus will advance to the finals, which are scheduled for April 18 and 19.

The championship features a notable lineup of athletes. Among them is Karbanov of Armenia, the silver medallist on pommel horse at the Paris Olympics. Kazakhstan’s Kabanov, runner-up in the Olympic vault event, is also competing.

Tong Hong from Chinese Taipei, who won bronze on the horizontal bar in Paris, and Ashaw Yaqian of China, silver medallist on balance beam, are among the contenders. Jordanian gymnast Ahmad Abu al-Saud is also competing on the pommel horse, adding to the strong international presence.

Andrew Tumbas, Chair of the FIG Men’s Technical Committee, praised the exceptional organisation of the tournament. Speaking to the media during the opening day, he remarked that Qatar once again demonstrates its expertise in hosting top-tier international events.

He commended the quality of the competition hall, training facilities, accommodation, and logistical arrangements, saying everything was at the highest level. Tumbas noted that the competition had started with great intensity, as athletes gave their all in pursuit of Olympic qualification, and he expects the level to rise even further in the finals.

Donatella Sacchi, Chair of the FIG Women’s Technical Committee, echoed that sentiment. She expressed her admiration for the high standard of organisation and attention to detail, highlighting the professional environment Qatar has created for the event. She was especially impressed by the enthusiastic crowd, which she said added a special energy to the championship and reflected the growing popularity of gymnastics in the region.

Sacchi also praised the state-of-the-art venues and support services for athletes, describing Qatar as a model for international sports event hosting. She added that the level of preparation and optimal competition environment would allow the world’s best female gymnasts to deliver standout performances.

Nasser al-Hamad, Technical Director of the championship, confirmed that competition has been fierce since the opening day. He said the event brings together Olympic medallists from Paris 2024, previous World Cup champions, and emerging talents who have captured attention with their performances.

Al-Hamad highlighted the balance between established stars and rising names, describing it as a positive sign of the sport’s development.

He expressed pride in the championship’s technical excellence and said the organising team aims for this edition to be recognised as one of the most successful in the World Cup series.

With a packed field of high-profile athletes, he concluded, Doha has firmly established itself as a key destination on the international gymnastics circuit, and he hopes the city will continue to be the preferred venue for the world’s best gymnasts.