The 17th edition of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Taishan) begins today at the Aspire Dome. It brings together elite gymnasts from around the globe for four days of high-stakes competition.
A total of 150 athletes – including 95 men and 55 women – are competing across 10 apparatus events (six for men, four for women). The top eight performers in each category will vie for a share of the $50,000 prize pool, distributed at $5,000 per apparatus.
The event will feature some of the sport’s biggest names, including:
- Karbanov (Armenia), silver medalist on the pommel horse at the Paris Olympics.
- A Kazakh gymnast, silver medalist on vault at the Olympics.
- Tong Hong (Chinese Taipei), Paris Games bronze medalist on the high bar.
- Ashaw Yaqian (China), national champion and Olympic silver medalist on the balance beam.
The qualifying rounds will take place over the first two days, followed by finals during the weekend. All action will be hosted under the Aspire Dome.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee and President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF), Ali Al Hitmi, said Qatar is fully prepared to host another world-class event. “We formed all working committees early and left no detail to chance,” he stated during a press conference. “Our goal is not only to deliver an exceptional event. It is also to promote gymnastics culture throughout Qatar.”
Al Hitmi also emphasized that since its founding in 2001, the Federation has consistently aimed to raise the sport’s profile through international competitions like this.
Final training sessions took place yesterday, with all participating teams putting in last-minute preparations ahead of today’s official start. Among the athletes seen training was Qatari gymnast Rakan Al Hareth, who will represent the host nation on home soil.
With a star-studded lineup and full preparations completed, the stage is now set for a thrilling showcase of athletic talent and precision. The world’s top gymnasts will compete for glory.
