Irina Viner opens Russian rhythmic gymnastics championship in Kazan

 A Russian rhythmic gymnastics tournament on Wednesday opened in the Kazan’s Tulpar sports centre.

According to the competition’s chief secretary Naila Shafeeva, over 150 gymnasts from 8 Russian regions take part in the competition. The list includes 4 sportswomen representing Tatarstan, Liana Semenova, Lilia Borisova, Marina Kozlova and Sabina Fedorova.

Tatarstan youth affairs, sport and tourism minister Rafis Burganov at the opening ceremony wished the participants a cheerful mind and great performance.

“No doubt, every competition puts some on the highest line and others a little lower. But in any case, all those participating in the competition have already won. You have met each other and learned something new,” the minister said.

Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation president and national team’s head coach Irina Viner greeted all the participants on the launch of the competition and this year’s first championship.

“Kazan has a great sports infrastructure in general and, particularly, for rhythmic gymnastics. It could even compete with the camp at which our Olympic team practices in Moscow. Kazan has excellent conditions for children to grow and do sports,” I. Viner noted.

Gymnasts from the Russian national team have come to Kazan, Viner went on to say. They are the Olympic champion and many-time Europe and world champion Evgenia Kanayeva, Europe and world champion Daria Kondakova, Europe and world champion Daria Merkulova and First Youth Olympics champion Alexandra Merkulova.

“Here they will show their new programmes and all Russian coaches and judges will be able to see them and offer their opinion. It is very important,” I. Viner said.

The competition is a selection round for the European championship, scheduled to take place in May.