The two day ‘Indian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup 2019’ concludes

Hyderabad, February 18, 2019: The First CtrlSIndian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup 2019, a first event of its kind in 28 years of Rhythmic Gymnastics in India concluded on Sunday. Post-event on Sunday, the program director Ms. SpielaDragas offered a 45-minute special orientation on the judging and coaching tips to help the athletes understand the finer details and the routines of the athletes. The one of its kind of event organized by Gundlapally Krida Foundation was a major hit with the participants. The event saw the participation from six countries such Slovenia, Italy, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Thailand. 70 participants took part in the event. Ten memberPanel of Judges led by Olympic Judge SpelaDragas from Italy judged the competitions. The Government extended 2 million Indian rupees for the tournament for bringing it to Hyderabad and Telangana. They also promised to support it next year It will be an annual event. Next year a minimum of 25 countries and a maximum of 60 countries are expected to participate. The finals played in Junior and Senior category on the concluding day went live on YouTube which was watched across 61 countries. Malaysia came with the biggest contingent of 10 players. In India, Delhi brough 17 contestants. In Seniors, Sri Lanka dominated. Slovania walked away with all medals in Junior category. Indian Senior team won four medals—Meghana won three and Aditi won one medal. Meghana stood third in overall performance in Senior category. Two star athletes viz. India’s only Rhythmic Gymnast, 20-year-old MeghanaGandulpally and Anna Marie Ondaatje from Sri Lanka who represented CWG in 2019 competed besides others. It was one of the three or four major tournaments offered prize money. Prize money is very rare in this sport said an organizer. Rhythmic Gymnastics is a women-only Olympic Sport. The Indian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup has athletes performing using five apparatus --- ball, clubs, hoop, rope and ribbon. The Panel of Judges judges the athletes on parameters such as Artistry, Technical faults, Body difficulty and Apparatus difficulty. The participant who earns more points emerged victorious. Their skill and performance was determined by the panel of judges for leaps, balances, pirouettes (pivots), apparatus handling and execution. Rhythmic Gymnastics combines elements of dance, gymnastics and apparatus manipulation. The athletes should have balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination and endurance, said Mr. GR Reddy of GundlapallyKrida Foundation, the conceivers of the first Indian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup. Rhythmic Gymnastics will be the next future of India, he said The Rhythmic Gymnastics sport is unique and picking up slowly in India. India’s international performance in the sport off late has been commendable and improved significantly. India is emerging power house for the sport. Thousands of girls are training across India. The junior teams are picking up well with so much of potential to gain entry into 2028 Olympics, opined Mr. GR Reddy. The competitions were held in four different age groups: Sub-Juniors (Under 10 years); Sub-Juniors (Under 12 years); Juniors (12 to 15 years) and Seniors (15 years and above). Prizes were given to winners in four categories which include medals and also Pastorelli equipment.