The Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship started in Moscow

One of the most exciting sporting events of the season is taking place in Moscow these days. The Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship has started. More than 500 of the best athletes compete in group and individual exercises. In fact, this is a selection for the most important international tournaments. Alina Kabayeva, a pupil of the Heavenly Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, is among the favorites. The first performances were seen by correspondent Anton Zolotnitsky.

Each team has its own ritual. Before the performance, they set up so that later no one has any doubts: they are one on the carpet.

The Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship begins with group exercises. Only the best teams from all over the country. From day one, the competition is exorbitant.

Alina Kabayeva, an athlete from the Heavenly Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, is among the favorites. The young team has already come a long way. I had to work long and hard to make it work like this. During intensive training — tips from Olympic champion Alina Kabayeva.

"Don't stop, okay? They made a mistake, so what. They took it and went on, on, on," Alina Kabayeva noted.

Alina Kabayeva helps the pupils of "Heavenly Grace" just before the performance. The last run and important parting words are on the training mat.

"We do everything we need to do. 100 percent. Show me what you've been cooking!" emphasizes Alina Kabayeva.

Each movement is not just a technical element, but also an artistic statement. This is the second year that the Russian Championship has been held according to the new rules. In them, artistry is valued as highly as the refinement of the performance. This is a serious challenge for every athlete. But, just as importantly, there is also an additional opportunity to prove yourself.

"The approaches have changed a lot, and the compositions themselves have changed. Now I want to see the story, I want to see the meaning, I want to see the image. And that's exactly what all the coaches and gymnasts are working on right now," said Irina Zenovka, choreographer and Honored Coach of Russia.

Starting this year, a special approach to assessments. Chief Judge Natalia Lashchinskaya admits: "the artistry" had to be decomposed into mathematics. Otherwise, you will not be able to keep up with the rapid growth of artistic expression.

"Of course, there are many of our children, especially in the individual program, they are very successful in this matter. Because both choreographers and ballet dancers work with them, they come and show them," explained Natalia Lashchinskaya, chief judge of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, Honored Coach of Russia, judge of the international and All—Russian categories.

More than 500 athletes, the best of the best, have been announced for the Russian Championship. After the group sex, the girls will come out on the carpet. Maria Borisova, the current champion and a graduate of the Heavenly Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, will try to defend the title. Thousands of fans will be watching her confrontation with Lala Kramarenko. Their assessment is equally important for each gymnast.

"Yes, I am a seasoned Russian girl."

Olympic champion Angelina Melnikova — about the triumphant end of the season and plans for the future

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. In November, China completed its fifth tournament, which in itself became a full-fledged alternative to the world championships.

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.

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