A solemn opening ceremony of the 37th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships has today been held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev, first lady, President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Mehriban Aliyeva and family members attended the opening ceremony.
President of the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation Irina Viner-Usmanova also watched the opening ceremony.
Azerbaijan`s Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov, President of the Federation of International Gymnastics Morinari Watanabe addressed the event.
A minute of silence was observed in remembrance of former President of the Federation of International Gymnastics Bruno Grandi, who died last week.
Azad Rahimov, Morinari Watanabe, Ambassador of the World Championships, world champion, former Russian gymnast Yana Batyrshina opened the championships.
The World Championships brings together more than 300 gymnasts from 61 countries. The championships are a qualifying event for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Azerbaijan`s squad includes nine gymnasts. The championships will last until September 22.
Inauguration ceremony of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was held
Ilham Aliyev wins presidential election with 92.05 percent of votes VIDEO
President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and family members voted in Khankendi VIDEO
Plenary session of 6th Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia gets underway in Astana. President Ilham Aliyev attends the plenary session VIDEO
President Ilham Aliyev was interviewed by Azerbaijani TV channels in Prague VIDEO
