Uchimura, Xiao top names for FIG Artistic Individual World Cup

Doha: Arguably one of the legends in modern gymnastics, Japan’s Kohei Uchimura will be one of the star attractions at the 11th FIG Artistic Individual World Cup from March 21-24.

“The Doha leg of the FIG World Cup Series is proud to present a gymnast of his calibre,” said Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi at a Press conference here on Saturday.

The 28-year-old had won a six successive world all-around titles, but missed out at the last World Championships in Montreal, Canada, following a bad fall in the second qualifying event.

Uchimura is also the reigning champion in the last two Olympic Games, the longest streak of dominance in gymnastics history.

Besides Uchimura, other top names include China’s current all-around world champion Xiao Ruoteng, who succeeded Uchimura in Montreal.

Xiao became became the first Chinese to win a gold in a major global individual all-around competition since Yang Wei at the 2008 Beijing Games.

“This year’s edition is an important one because the FIG Artistic World Championships will be held here. The competition will also be a test event for the October Worlds,” said QGF Technical Expert Anis Saoud.  

The four-day tournament, which involves two days qualification rounds, summarises Qatar’s achievement as a top-notch host of international sports event.

QGF’s decade-long experience and excellent infrastructure at the Aspire Dome were important factors that earned them the right in 2013 to host the FIG Artistic World Championships.

“This event had helped us win the bid for World Championships. I thank the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani for their support to host the competitions,” said Al Hitmi.

The finals will be held on Friday and Saturday.