LOCAL sports fans are in for a dynamic visual delight as the Gymnastics Artistic Association of the Philippines hosts for the first time the 19th Junior and 14th Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships on May 31 to June 3 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
A total of 20 countries, 18 from Asia and two from Oceania, and 191 athletes will compete in the four-day tournament, whose senior competition will serve as the continental qualifying meet for the 40th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships set Aug. 23 to 27 in Valencia, Spain.
The countries fielding their top rhythmic gymnastics athletes are China, Hongkong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia.
Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Taipei, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.
“We were honored by the Asian Gymnastics Union for awarding us the hosting of these two important rhythmic gymnastics competitions,” said GAP president Cynthia Carrion. “This will be a huge boost to the sport in the country as Asia’s best rhythmic gymnastics bets display their skills and talent in Manila.
“We look forward to hosting this blue-ribbon competition, especially for our local sports fans, who should take this opportunity of witnessing the best rhythmic gymnasts from all over Asia since this event is also a qualifier for the world rhythmic championships.”
Among the top attractions in the meet is Uzbekistan sensation Takihimina Ikromova, who bagged six gold medals, including the prestigious all-around mint, in the 14th Asian in Pattaya, Thailand.
Also expected to take part in the AGU-sanctioned competition is China’s Zhao Yating, a bronze medalist in the individual all-around event of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Philippines will be bannered by 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Daniela dela Pisa, Breanna Labadan and Trisha Mae Montefalcon, who will see action in the individual seniors’ events.
