The Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation has once again successfully hosted an international level competition. On September 21-22, the “Grace of Nature” International Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, was held in the city of Nakhchivan. This marked the first international gymnastics event ever organized in the region.

The tournament took place at the Nakhchivan Olympic Sports Complex and gathered around 250 gymnasts representing teams from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, all competing for the title of champion.

Alongside athletes from the capital, gymnasts from 20 clubs representing Nakhchivan, Ganja, Agdash, Mingachevir, Oguz, Gakh and Zagatala also joined the competition.

Athletes competed in the categories of Juniors (born in 2016–2017), Pre-juniors (2013–2015), Youngsters (2011–2012) and Seniors (2008–2010), delivering captivating and diverse performances.

The name of the tournament - “Grace of Nature” - symbolized the beauty of the region’s unique natural landscape. Inspired by the nature of Nakhchivan, a land rich in history and culture, the gymnasts presented colorful and creative routines, aiming to win the hearts of the audience. The large turnout of spectators who came to support the athletes was a clear demonstration of the growing interest in gymnastics in Nakhchivan.

At the opening ceremony held on September 21, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mariana Vasileva, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Majid Seyidov and other representatives of the sports community were in attendance.

The participants were first invited to the stage, and after the teams were introduced to the spectators, a video dedicated to the National Leader Heydar Aliyev was presented. The opening ceremony concluded with the performance of the National Anthem.

The two-day tournament ended with the winners being determined in both individual all-around and apparatus finals, as well as in the group exercises program across various apparatus, according to age categories.