The Dong’an Lake Cup · 2026 National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships officially kicked off on May 8 at the Multi-functional Sports Hall of Dong’an Lake Sports Park in Chengdu. As the top domestic event in rhythmic gymnastics, this competition brings together nearly 300 athletes from 20 provincial teams across the country, showcasing a peak confrontation where elegance meets strength, adding a brilliant touch to Chengdu’s status as a world sports event city.
The event is hosted by the Gymnastics Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Gymnastics Association, with support from the Sichuan Provincial Sports Bureau and the Chengdu Municipal Sports Bureau, and organized by the People’s Government of Longquanyi District, Chengdu. The preparations have been carried out in line with national top-tier competition standards. The tournament is scientifically divided into three competitive levels: adult, youth, and junior, covering both individual and group categories, with apparatus including freehand, rope, hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon. This comprehensive structure tests the training outcomes and competitive capabilities of each level, laying a solid foundation for developing future talents in the sport.
At 9 a.m. on the opening day, as melodious music played, qualification rounds began for junior individual freehand and rope, youth individual hoop and ball, adult individual hoop and ball, and adult group 5 balls. On the competition floor, athletes performed gracefully with seamless sequences of high-difficulty movements such as leaps, precise throws and catches, and steady rotations, perfectly blending strength and elegance. The audience, including local residents and visitors, watched with sportsmanship, erupting in applause at each routine’s conclusion, cheering for the athletes’ outstanding performances.
Notably, this championship gathers top national talent, with teams from Beijing, Tianjin, Sichuan, and others all participating. The full first and second national teams are on the field, featuring both seasoned national champions and emerging stars, creating a vibrant mix of experience and youth. As a core venue of the Chengdu Universiade, the Dong’an Lake Sports Park’s Multi-functional Sports Hall boasts world-class facilities and mature operational systems. Hosting this high-level event not only recognizes the region’s organizational capabilities and service excellence but also promotes deep integration of sports competition, mass fitness, and cultural tourism.
Over the next five days, the competition will continue with qualification rounds, all-around finals, and individual apparatus finals across all groups. The closing day on May 13 will also feature special honors such as the Sportsmanship Award and the Artistic Expression Award. Industry insiders indicate that this championship will further enrich Chengdu’s rhythmic gymnastics atmosphere, invigorate regional cultural and sports vitality, inject strong momentum into the city’s development as a world sports event capital, and bring a high-quality sports culture feast to the public.
