Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 16
Trend:
The opening ceremony of the 37th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships was held in the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Trend reports on Sept. 16.
The opening ceremony began with the presentation of the national flags of the participating countries.
Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, Azad Rahimov, as well as the President of the International Gymnastics Federation, Morinari Watanabe addressed the event.
The ceremony participants and the audience paid a minute of silence to the memory of Bruno Grandi, the former president of the International Gymnastics Federation, who passed away last week.
Azad Rahimov, Morinari Watanabe and World Cup ambassador, multiple world and Olympic champion Yana Batyrshina declared the Championship open.
The State Anthem of Azerbaijan was performed at the opening ceremony of the tournament. It was performed in the format of a cappella by the honored artist of the country, Tunzal Aghayeva.
In addition, an oath was made on behalf of the judges, gymnasts and their trainers.
The honored artist Miri Yusif sang the song "Birinci ol" ("Be the first!"), composed specially for the opening of the World Cup in Baku.
