More than 200 athletes from 30 countries participated in the Heavenly Grace Cup.

Russia, unlike the West, defends the real ideas of Olympism. Moreover, it is thanks to this position that we have managed not only to preserve entire sports, but also to give them the opportunity to achieve excellence. The most striking example is rhythmic gymnastics. The international tournament "Heavenly Grace Cup" forces athletes to surpass not only their rivals, but also themselves. And this is its key difference from other competitions, the rules of which are being simplified from year to year, forgetting that it is like death for any sport. On the eve of the fifth tournament in China, which, as Nikolai Ivanov, a correspondent of Izvestia, is sure, has become a full-fledged alternative to the world championships.

A solid fusion of sports and art. There are no minor details here. This is Beijing, the "Heavenly Grace Cup". A celebration for everyone who appreciates beauty and elegance.

"We are doing one common thing — we are developing rhythmic gymnastics — it is a sport of the highest achievements. We are in the Olympic family, and I hope that the International Gymnastics Federation will see our achievements and take something into its own rules, we will only be glad. I really want sports to be outside politics. Sport and culture should unite nations, that's what we do," said Olympic champion, President of the International Association "Heavenly Grace" Alina Kabayeva.

The scale is amazing. The Russian and Chinese teams are in constant contact.

"We have created the best international team to make such a wonderful event. I think this is very important for the combination of Chinese and Russian culture and sports," said Xia Dao, director of the Heavenly Grace Cup international tournament.

Rhythmic gymnastics is treated with the utmost respect in China. It comes from ancient times. The practice of daoyin originated in China three thousand years ago: smooth movements, an emphasis on flexibility and a deep spiritual component, which is especially appreciated here.

Athletes and coaches from more than 30 countries came to Beijing.

"This is just a dream for all gymnasts," said Isabella Rojas, a participant in the tournament from Cuba.

"This is a really great competition, there are a lot of great gymnasts here," said Fatma Elif Polat, a participant in the tournament from Turkey.

"The organization of the tournament is absolutely fantastic," said coach Camila Quintana from Argentina.

Another special feature of the tournament is that there are six Olympic champions among the honored guests.

"It's not every day that Olympic champions are together, and they're all in the same competition. I think this happens only once in a lifetime," Olympic champion Lina Ashram believes.

For the first time in history, gymnasts are evaluated by artificial intelligence (AI) in addition to judges.

"The video is uploaded to artificial intelligence, and the gymnast's performance is analyzed," explained Ekaterina Lotz, the judge of the Heavenly Grace Cup tournament.

The venue of the tournament, the Shougan Arena, is also like something out of the world of fantasy.

"Until recently, there was a steel mill here. The landscape resembles footage from a fantastic blockbuster movie. Now Shougan is an industrial park, a creative and sports space. And now there is a struggle between nerves of steel and iron will on the territory of the former metallurgical giant," the Izvestia correspondent said.

Tournament according to the rules of "Heavenly Grace": really difficult elements are appreciated.

The pupils of the Heavenly Grace Academy of Alina Kabayeva practically did not leave any chances for other gymnasts. Veronika Malinina won four gold medals. Her coaches are Alina and Irina Gusarova. Elina Khabirova is in the first place in the ribbon exercise. The gymnast is coached by Olga Minigalina. Ksenia Savinova has five medals of the highest standard. Her mentor is Evgenia Eliseeva.

"Thanks to such competitions, gymnasts remember such amplitude and beautiful elements," said Evgenia Kanaeva, a two—time Olympic champion.

Among the seniors, Eva Kononova, the debutant of the tournament, won gold in clubs and silver in hoop. She trains with Evgenia Eliseeva, before that Eva was coached by Vera Shatalina.

"I just thought that I would come, perform well, and then it would be fine. It turned out that she was in the top three in the all-around and even won places in the finals," said Eva Kononova, a graduate of Alina Kabayeva's Heavenly Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.

"She is very able—bodied, very collected, and she has shown excellent results at these competitions," said Evgenia Eliseeva, coach of Alina Kabayeva's Heavenly Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.

A real drama unfolded in the all-around. Maria Borisova and Belarusian gymnast Alina Gornosko competed for gold. The head coach is Irina Gusarova. Alina Kabayeva also helped her tune in.

"Everything is calm. That's how you prepared here, and you perform there: wisely, with concentration," she said.

The result of hard work is a silver medal. The Belarusian gymnast is the first.

"I was interested in trying my hand again, inserting elements," said Alina Gornosko, winner of the Heavenly Grace Cup tournament.

After the second place, Masha showed really fighting qualities. I got ready and won gold in the ribbon and rope exercise. It is symbolic that under the song "One warrior in the field".

"There may be only one warrior in the field at first glance, but in fact it is impossible without a team," said Maria Borisova, a graduate of Alina Kabayeva's Heavenly Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.

The jump rope at the tournament is included on the initiative of Alina Kabayeva. The International Federation dropped the subject in 2011.

"I've always considered the skipping rope to be the basis of all our types of gymnastics. This is the base for the hoop, the base for the clubs, the base for the ribbon," explained Tatiana Sergaeva, head coach of the Russian national rhythmic gymnastics team.

The gymnasts of "Heavenly Grace" won gold among the junior group matches.

"We did not go to perform for a victory, not for grades, but went to perform to show a bright and beautiful exercise," said Anna Gryaznova, a graduate of Alina Kabayeva's Heavenly Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.

"Yes, Alina Maratovna always says here that you compete with yourself," said Anna Ustsova, coach of Alina Kabayeva's Heavenly Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.

It is very important that the International Association "Heavenly Grace" gives a chance to compete in a tournament of this scale to those gymnasts who cannot fly their flag due to political circumstances.

"Special thanks to our Chinese friends. Without your support and well—coordinated work, this event could not have taken place at such a high level," Alina Kabayeva emphasized.

After all, sport and beauty unite continents.

On your own skate: how the Czech Republic Gymnastics Tournament ended

In the women's team, the bid for the world championship in Jakarta is obvious, but the men have personnel problems.

The fifth international tournament "Heavenly Grace Cup" started in Beijing on November 12. For the first time in history, artificial intelligence helps judges in rhythmic gymnastics. The Russian and Chinese teams were in constant contact: they put up the numbers for the opening ceremony together.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.