On November 18, a grand opening ceremony was held in Baku for the 35th Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships.

The event began with a parade of participating countries, followed by an oath ceremony, during which athletes, coaches, and judges pledged to uphold the principles of fairness. Azerbaijani gymnast Mikhail Malkin represented the athletes during the oath.

Speaking at the ceremony, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov, emphasized that Azerbaijan is now widely recognized for successfully hosting competitions in various sports. He highlighted that among these events, gymnastics holds a special place. Although this is the first time Azerbaijan is hosting the World Championships in Trampoline Gymnastics, it marks the fourth world championship in gymnastics held in Baku.

The Minister noted that the modern sports facilities, organizational experience, and the hospitality of the Azerbaijani people are highly appreciated by the participants.

“Dear athletes, for the next four days, this competition field is at your disposal,” the Minister stated. “Everyone gathered here — coaches, judges, officials of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), and members of the Technical Committee — is ready to witness and evaluate your brilliant performances. I wish you all the best in your competitions and hope your days in Baku will be filled with wonderful and memorable moments.”

FIG President Morinari Watanabe expressed his excitement at seeing new stars rise during the 35th World Championships in Trampoline Gymnastics in Baku. He shared his pleasure in returning to Baku for this prestigious event and noted that although Baku has hosted several world championships, this is the first one in trampoline gymnastics.

“I would like to thank our friends at the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation for their hard work and for providing us with excellent conditions to host this major event,” Watanabe said. “We can say that 2021 is a year of progress. Three months ago, we had the Olympic Games, and now we are here for the World Championships.”

He added: “We are very proud to be joined by two great champions — Karen Cockburn from Canada and David Martin from France — who are the official ambassadors of trampoline gymnastics at this competition. I wish all participants success and declare the 35th Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships officially open.”

Following the speeches, the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played, and the ceremony concluded with a choreographed artistic performance.

The World Championships, which run until November 21, bring together nearly 300 gymnasts from 33 countries. Athletes are competing in individual and synchronized trampoline, tumbling, and double mini-trampoline events. In addition to individual routines, team all-around and team rankings in each discipline will determine the champions.

While Azerbaijan has previously hosted European Championships and multiple World Cups in trampoline gymnastics, this is the first time the country is organizing a world championship of this scale, welcoming the sport's high-flying stars to the Milli Gymnastics Arena.

The competition consists of qualification rounds during the first two days and finals on the last two. According to the rules, a single athlete may compete in multiple events.