Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Training Camp Kicks Off in SW China's Chongqing

Chongqing - From Jan 18 to 26, the Rongao International (Russia) Rhythmic Gymnastics Training Camp is being held in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. The nine-day camp in the Shapingba District has attracted 115 rhythmic gymnasts from Beijing, Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, and various districts of Chongqing, revealing Shapingba's potential as a future hub for international rhythmic gymnastics exchange.

This event marks the first time a top-tier Russian rhythmic gymnastics training camp is being held in China. The camp aims to select and nurture promising rhythmic gymnasts through high-level international guidance, enhancing the talent pool and overall standards of the sport. Additionally, it provides an international platform for coaches and athletes to exchange knowledge and expertise. Russia has demonstrated its commitment to the camp by sending an impressive team consisting of four top coaches, four demonstration athletes, and one technical official.

The Russian delegation in Chongqing (Photo/Shapingba District)

The Russian coaching team boasts renowned figures such as Olga Gostaleva, with over 20 years of teaching experience and a history of choreographing for the Russian national team; Maria Sergeyeva, a member of the Russian national team and two-time European champion; Alina Arisova, a master of sports in rhythmic gymnastics with numerous medals from Moscow championships; and Daria Litvinova, a solo dancer at the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre and national team coach.

The Russian coach is training Chinese rhythmic gymnasts (Photo/Shapingba District)

Participants are divided into four groups, each featuring one Russian head coach, demonstration athlete, Chinese assistant coach, and interpreter. The training covers basic rhythmic gymnastics techniques, apparatus difficulty, body conditioning, ballet for sports, and physical fitness.

During the opening ceremony, a Russian team representative remarked, "This training camp builds a new bridge for athletes and coaches from China and Russia, opening new opportunities for future exchanges and the development of rhythmic gymnastics in both countries." Xu Yading, the head coach of Chongqing's rhythmic gymnastics team, also expressed hopes of discovering more talented gymnasts and enhancing the city's sports standards through this exchange.

The Russians enjoyed their time in Ciqikou (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

The successful organization of this training camp not only provides valuable learning opportunities for participants but lays the groundwork for Shapingba District to become a nationally recognized hub for rhythmic gymnastics.