"Our long-awaited 2025 competition season has finally started and kicked off with an impressive presentation at the European Championships in Luxembourg!"
Idman.biz reports that this was stated by the President of European Gymnastics (EG) Farid Gayibov in the traditional "Notes from the President" section on the website of the organization he leads.
He noted the important events of April: "First at the European age group competitions, then at the European championships among juniors and seniors, acrobatics once again demonstrated its magical energy and proved its entertainment value to a global audience. Gymnasts competed at the highest level, captivating the audience with daring performances in creative programs."
Gayibov said that the number of countries participating in the competition was particularly noteworthy: "What impressed me most was the number of participating countries. Acrobatics continues to develop and we have welcomed several new countries! Turkey sent its gymnasts for the first time, and Denmark competed in the senior group for the first time. This was only possible thanks to the continuous efforts of our Technical Committee, headed by its President Karin Scharlie. They provide expert and constant advice for development seminars to interested federations. In addition, an annual training camp is organized, which is aimed at the development of this sport in Europe and is very popular."
He added that during the championship, the Organizing Committee of the 2028 Olympic Games announced an expanded sports program: "I am very happy that the final of mixed teams in sports gymnastics has also been added. European Gymnastics has debuted in this format at the European Youth Olympic Festival, and this will also be presented for the first time in the program of the European Championship to be held in Leipzig."
The head of EG also spoke about the European Cup in rhythmic gymnastics: "Last weekend, the European Cup returned to my hometown of Baku, where it debuted exactly one year ago. The new format European Cup, which is part of European Gymnastics' 2030 Strategic Plan, launched exciting "cross battles" in which gymnasts competed head-to-head in the play-off stage. Last year, this format was only in individual competitions, but this year it was also applied in group competitions. It's fast, short and interesting, and everyone likes it. We intend to apply this idea to other types in the future!"
Gayibov also noted the upcoming competitions: "Next week, the second stage of the European Cup in rhythmic gymnastics will be held. For the first time, the competition will be hosted by the Bulgarian coastal resort of Burgas. Then our flagship events will continue one after another. From May 26-31, we will witness the fight for titles at the European Sports Gymnastics Championship in Leipzig as part of the German Gymnastics Festival. Immediately after that, from June 4-8, the best rhythmic gymnasts will compete for the title of continental champion in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. I wish our athletes success in preparing for these important events!"
Idman.biz