Sport
begins with
gymnastics
08 June 2026
From June 5 to 7, the National Gymnastics Arena became the center of the gymnastics world as it successfully hosted both the FIG Acrobatic and Aerobic Gymnastics World Cup and an International Tournament.
Over the course of three exciting days, nearly 220 athletes from 14 countries competed in the World Cup, while more than 150 gymnasts representing 10 countries took part in the International Tournament. The first two days featured qualification rounds, while the final day brought together the strongest athletes for the decisive medal contests. Both competitions were distinguished by a high level of rivalry, spectacular performances, and an unforgettable sporting atmosphere.
In acrobatic gymnastics, athletes competed in the women’s pair, women’s group, men’s pair, men’s group, and mixed pair events, presenting balance and dynamic routines. In aerobic gymnastics, medals were contested in the individual, mixed pair, trio, and group categories.
The Azerbaijani team concluded the FIG World Cup with a gold medal. The women’s group consisting of Anahita Bashiri, Zahra Rashidova, and Nazrin Zeyniyeva delivered an outstanding performance in the final, earning 29.300 points and claiming the top place on the podium. Their victory was accompanied by the playing of Azerbaijan’s National Anthem inside the arena, creating a proud and memorable moment for the home crowd.
As per tradition, the AGF Trophy was presented to the athletes who achieved the highest execution scores during the qualification rounds. In aerobic gymnastics, the awards went to Anton Kolobov (Russia) in the men's individual event, Anastasia Dmitrieva (Russia) in the women's individual event, and Borislava Ivanova and Hristo Manolov (Bulgaria) in the mixed pair event. In acrobatic gymnastics, Azerbaijan’s gold medal-winning women’s group of Anahita Bashiri, Zahra Rashidova, and Nazrin Zeyniyeva was also honored with the prestigious AGF Trophy.
Azerbaijan’s aerobic gymnastics representatives also delivered commendable performances. The mixed pair of Madina Mustafayeva and Vladimir Dolmatov finished fourth with 19.025 points, while the trio of Leyla Bejanova, Arzu Agayeva, and Khadija Guliyeva also placed fourth, scoring 17.588 points.
At the International Tournament, Azerbaijani gymnasts competed across six programs in both acrobatic and aerobic gymnastics, achieving a series of impressive results.
In the youth mixed pair event, Madina Ibrahimli and Toghrul Gulmaliyev secured the gold medal, while Sama Hajizada and Arif Mammadzada claimed silver. The victory of Ibrahimli and Gulmaliyev marked the second time Azerbaijan’s National Anthem was played during the competition.
Success continued in the men’s individual event, where Arif Mammadzada captured the gold medal and Toghrul Gulmaliyev earned silver. Mammadzada’s triumph brought the National Anthem to the arena for the third time, inspiring athletes and spectators alike.
In the youth trio competition, Ayan Iskandarli, Maryam Aliyeva, and Ayla Ismayilzada won a bronze medal. Another bronze medal was secured in the group event by Nuray Aliyeva, Ayten Nasirzada, Gulnur Agalarova, Aliya Jafarli, and Khadija Alasgarova.
A further bronze medal was added to Azerbaijan’s tally in the junior group competition by Ayan Agayeva, Fidan Ibrahimova, Leyla Ahmadova, Aydan Malikova, and Tahmina Ibrahimova.
As a result, Azerbaijani gymnasts concluded the International Tournament with an impressive haul of 2 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Combined with the gold medal won at the FIG World Cup, the home team delivered an outstanding overall performance.
Throughout the event, spectators enjoyed the opportunity to witness world-class gymnastics at the highest level. The competitions created a vibrant and festive atmosphere inside the arena, while participants and guests highly praised the excellent organization and hospitality.
By successfully hosting another major international gymnastics event, Baku once again demonstrated Azerbaijan’s growing reputation as a global sporting hub and highlighted the country's continued commitment to the development and promotion of gymnastics.