World Stars Shine Under Aspire Dome as the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Reaches Its Climax

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April 18, 2025
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18-April-2025

World Stars Shine Under Aspire Dome as the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Reaches Its Climax

Doha: The finals of the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Taishan) are taking place today at Aspire Academy in Doha, as the competition enters its decisive phase. The event, which began on April 16 and continues until Saturday, has brought together some of the world’s best gymnasts for four days of elite-level action.

The preliminary rounds concluded last night after two intense days of qualifying across various apparatus, as athletes battled for a spot in the finals. With the tournament now at a critical stage, anticipation is building for high-level performances and dramatic finishes that will determine the champions of this year’s edition.

The championship has already delivered top-class performances and featured the rise of global talents. On the men’s floor exercise, Kazakhstan’s Karim Miladi and Tamberk qualified alongside Britain’s Sam Mostafavi. In the pommel horse event, Jordan’s Ahmad Abu Al-Soud secured his place in the finals, joined by Kazakhstan’s Karbanov and China’s Hong Yang Ming. On the still rings, Armenians Davtyan and Artur Avetisyan advanced alongside China’s Yu Hao.

In the women’s competition, legendary Uzbek gymnast Oksana Chusovitina reached the finals in the vault, alongside Hungary’s Greta Mayer, Slovenia’s Tjasa Kysselef, and fellow Hungarian Sára Péter. On the uneven bars, Australia’s Keira McDonald, Canada’s Audrey Rousseau, and Ukraine’s Denali Bork advanced to the final round.

There was also a notable Arab presence. Qatar’s Rakan Al-Hareth impressed throughout, while Jordan’s Ahmad Abu Al-Soud earned widespread praise after booking his spot in the pommel horse final. Qatar’s Salma Nasser continued her steady rise with another solid performance in her second consecutive World Cup appearance, reflecting her growing confidence and the trust placed in her by the technical staff—a promising sign for the future of Qatari gymnastics.

Championship Director Abeer Al-Buainain praised the level of competition, noting that all finalists had delivered commendable performances. She said the finals would be even more competitive due to the closeness in skill levels, adding that the early rounds had already produced surprises—and more could be expected in the final stages. She highlighted the championship’s strong technical standard, as anticipated from such a stellar lineup of international athletes. Al-Buainain concluded by expressing satisfaction with the athletes’ performances and looked forward to more excitement in the final rounds.

Issa Al-Hitmi, a board member of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, also praised the level of competition. He emphasized the high caliber of participation and the valuable experience it offers to Arab gymnasts. Congratulating Ahmad Abu Al-Soud on his qualification, Al-Hitmi said he hoped for more Arab success in the finals. He stressed that competing alongside the world's best provides unmatched opportunities for growth and development, raising the bar for everyone involved.

Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), commended the event’s organization, saying he was always happy to be in Qatar. He noted that every edition of the World Cup in Doha brings something new and exciting, praising the Qatari Federation’s commitment to excellence. Watanabe added that Qatar has firmly established itself as a key destination on the global gymnastics calendar, thanks to its exceptional infrastructure, experience, and talented organizing teams. He said the qualifying rounds had already featured high-level competition, setting the stage for even more thrilling action in the finals.

In a touching moment captured by cameras, Rakan Al-Hareth’s father was seen in the stands watching his son with pride and heartfelt prayers—a powerful reminder of the emotional support behind every athlete. The scene was met with appreciation from those in attendance, as the father’s presence became one of the most talked-about moments of the day.

Crowd attendance has been growing steadily since day one, and it is expected to peak today and tomorrow as fans flock to Aspire to witness the finals. With the weekend upon us and medals on the line, excitement is reaching fever pitch. Gymnastics continues to enjoy broad appeal in Qatar, drawing fans from across the local and expatriate communities.

The event has also drawn praise for its high-level judging, with both technical and administrative teams receiving recognition for their professionalism. The judging panels—led by Donatella Sacchi on the women’s side and Andrew Tumbas for the men—have handled the close and often intense competition with poise, highlighting the importance of expert officiating in delivering a successful tournament.

Salma Nasser, speaking to media after her event, expressed her joy at participating in such a prestigious tournament and competing alongside the world’s best. She described the event as a valuable learning opportunity, allowing her to gain experience and grow her skills. Salma emphasized her determination to improve and continue striving for excellence, adding that while the competition is tough, the knowledge and exposure it provides are equally rewarding.

As the finals begin and champions are crowned, the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup is proving once again that Doha is more than ready to host the world—raising the bar for gymnastics events worldwide.