Golden debut: Azerbaijan shines at Universiade in Germany

The evening proved to be a successful one for Azerbaijani athletes competing in Germany at the Universiade. In the group all-around event, our rhythmic gymnasts—Yelizaveta Luzan, Darya Sorokina, Kamilla Aliyeva, Laman Alimuradova, and Gullu Aghalarzade—left no chance for their rivals.

Taking the lead after the routine with five ribbons (24.150 points), they maintained their advantage following the routine with three balls and two hoops, which earned them a score of 26.350. With a total of 50.500 points, our gymnasts secured a convincing victory, finishing more than six points ahead of the Ukrainian team. The bronze went to the Japanese gymnasts.

Thus, by the third day of the Universiade, Azerbaijani athletes had already secured their first medal – and it was gold right away! Moreover, we expect more medals from the same gymnasts today in the individual apparatus finals, where they have also qualified. What’s most remarkable is that this was the first-ever appearance by Azerbaijani rhythmic gymnasts in group events at the Universiade. And, as they say, the debut exceeded all expectations.

Unfortunately, the success was not without a downside. The gymnasts competing in the individual all-around were unable to match the level of their group teammates. Ilona Zeynalova and Kamilla Seyidzade ended their Universiade campaign prematurely. In the qualification round, which consisted of four routines, Zeynalova finished 22nd with a total of 96.800 points, while Seyidzade ranked 27th with 95.750 points out of 49 athletes. As a result, both failed to reach the finals.

In this category, the gold went to Belarusian gymnast Alina Harnasko (114.850). Uzbekistan’s Takhmina Ikromova claimed second place, while Hungary’s Fanni Pigniczki took bronze.

As for the other sports where Azerbaijani athletes are competing, their performance so far leaves much to be desired. The Azerbaijani swimmers have yet to make it past the qualification rounds.

In table tennis, the Azerbaijani women failed to advance from the group stage, suffering decisive losses to both the American and South Korean teams—with no real chance to put up a fight.

A slightly more promising picture is emerging in tennis, where Kanan Gasimov and Elvin Hashimov won their opening matches, with Elvin even advancing to the Round of 16.

For now, the gold medal won by the rhythmic gymnastics group has lifted Azerbaijan to 7th place in the overall medal standings at the World University Games.

As of this morning, Azerbaijan shares this position with the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Hong Kong, all of whom also have one gold medal.

Currently ahead in the standings are the United States (4 gold, 2 silver, 7 bronze), South Korea (3-3-1), China (2-4-2), Germany (2-1-3), Italy (1-0-4), and Taiwan (1-0-1).

However, as mentioned earlier, today’s finals in individual rhythmic gymnastics routines may bring more medals for our team. We are also counting on our judokas and taekwondo athletes to enter the medal race.

By Vugar Vugarli, exclusively for Caliber.Az