First-of-its-kind event in India ‘Indian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup 2019’ kicks off in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, February 16, 2019: The First CtrlS Indian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup 2019, a first event of its kind in 28 years of Rhythmic Gymnastics in India kicked off here at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad. 65 participants from across India and from countries such as Slovenia, Italy, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia are taking part in the Indian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup. Ten member Panel of Judges led by Olympic Judge Spela Dragas from Italy will be judging the competitions. Mr. B. Venkatesham, IAS. Secretary to Government of Telangana Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture Department inaugurated the First Indian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup 2019 by lighting the lamp. Speaking immediately after inaugurating the same, Mr. Venkatesham said that he is happy that such an event is taking place for the first time in Telangana state. Rhythmic Gymnastics is a great art and one can see the human bodies capabilities in the performance of the athletes, he said. It is really great to see young girls participating in this sport. India is going to get into this Olympic sport in a big way. The sports department of Government of Telangana will be happy to support such efforts and give required financial support. The Government is extending 2 million Indian rupees for this for bring such game to Hyderabad and Telangana, he said. With Rhythmic Gymnastics lifetime guarantee of health is there, young girls and boys should take up this game, Mr. Venkatesham said. The inaugural ceremony was graced by A. Venkateshwar Reddy, Chairman, Sports Authority of Telangana; Guvvala Balraju, MLA Achampet, Mahabubnagar; Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI) vice president Riyaz Bhati; Lala Yusifova, a coach from Azerbaizan and others. The first day had 2 rotations with three apparatus for the Sub-Juniors (Under 10 yrs) category and 3 rotations with all apparatus for the Sub-Juniors (Under 12) category. The finals for the Seniors (15+ years) category were held on the first day today i.e. 16th February. The winners will be announced late evening today. Two star athletes viz. India’s only Rhythmic Gymnast, 20-year-old Meghana Gandulpally and Anna Marie Ondaatje from Sri Lanka who represented CWG in 2019 will also be competing. 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 will judge the athletes on parameters such as Artistry, Technical faults, Body difficulty and Apparatus difficulty. The participant who earns more points emerges victorious. Their skill and performance will be 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 Gundlapally Krida Foundation, the conceivers of the first Indian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup. Rhythmic Gymnastics will be the next future of India, he said. The cup will feature many stars from Common Wealth Games. 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 are being 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 will be given to winners in four categories which include medals and also Pastorelli equipment. The details are as follows: ?Sub-Juniors : Under 10 yrs - One Free Hand, Any two apparatus by Choice from (Ball, Rope, Hoop, Clubs, Ribbon) : Each apparatus three prizes ( Gold - Silver & Bronze) : Also prizes are Pastorelli Apparatus given (International Brand) : (9 Medals) ?Sub-Juniors : Under 12 yrs - Any Three apparatus by Choice from (Ball, Rope, Hoop, Clubs, Ribbon) : Each apparatus three prizes ( Gold - Silver & Bronze) : Also prizes are Pasterelli Apparatus given (International Brand) : (9 Medals) ?Juniors : 12-15 yrs - Ball, Rope, Clubs - Three apparatus : Each apparatus Gold, Silver & Bronze - Prize money G-200Euro, S-150 Euro, B-100Euro (total 9 Medals) ?Seniors : 15+ yrs - Ball, Hoop, Clubs, Ribbon - Each Apparatus G, S & B - Prize money G-200Euro, S-150 Euro, B-100Euro (Total 12 Medals) Giving more details about the maiden Indian Rhythmic Cup 2019, Mr. GR Reddy, MD, Husys Consulting Limited and Chief Patron of Gundlpally Krida Foundation, the organizer said that the first Indian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup 2019 is an attempt to tap the huge potential that exists for India in Rhythmic Gymnastics. It is an opportunity for Indian children and their parents to see the some of the best international players and get inspired. Post-event on the 17th February, the program director Ms. Spiela Dragas will offer 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. Conceived by city based Gundlapally Krida Foundation the Indian Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup 2019 is be presented by CtrlS, a Tier-4 Datacenter in India, headquartered in Hyderabad.