Azernews.Az

Head coach of Azerbaijani national team Mariana Vasileva expects the national gymnasts to do their utmost at the upcoming FIG World Cup Final in Rhythmic Gymnastics in Baku.

Vasileva emphasized that this is the most important event for a group team this year.

Azerbaijan in the individual program of the event will be represented by Marina Durunda and Jala Piriyeva, as well as a group team, consisting of Siyana Vasileva, Alexandra Platonova, Diana Doman, Zeyneb Celep and Ayshan Bayramova, she told Trend July 18.

“I believe the Azerbaijani gymnasts will prove that they are strong despite everything. This is the main training for Durunda before the Olympic Games as she will perform in her native city, country, and this is a great responsibility,” said Vasileva, adding, meanwhile, Piriyeva must prove that she is a very strong and promising gymnast despite her young age.

The head coach said that all programs of Azerbaijani gymnasts are interesting and complex.

“Durunda always performs well with ribbon,” she said. “Piriyeva will demonstrate very complex exercises with ball and clubs. We hope she will perform the exercises successfully."

Vasileva added that the final stage of the event will be significant.

“Strong athletes in group and individual programs will take part in the final stage of the event,” she added. “Such world champions as Yana Kudryavtseva, Margarita Mamun and Alexandra Soldatova, as well as strong teams from Russia, Italy, Bulgaria, Spain, China and Japan will arrive in Baku to take part in the competition.”

Vasileva noted that the strongest gymnasts will perform in Baku as this is the last competition before the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

FIG World Cup Final in Rhythmic Gymnastics will take place in Baku on July 22-24, giving a unique opportunity to see the performances of eminent gymnasts from 20 countries two weeks prior to the Rio Olympics.

Thirty-one gymnasts and 12 teams will compete for medals in the all-around on the first two days of competitions. Apparatus finals will be held on the event’s last day.

A magnificent Opening Ceremony, directed by the head coach of the Azerbaijani national team Mariana Vasileva, will be held on July 22, followed by the traditional Gala on July 24, as part of the FIG World Cup Final in Rhythmic Gymnastics in Baku.