70 Nations Set for Junior Rhythmic Worlds in Sofia

Nearly 370 gymnasts from 70 countries will compete at the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, set for June 18–22 at Arena 8888 in Sofia, Bulgaria, CE Report quotes BTA

The competition opens with two days of individual qualifications—hoop and ball on June 18, clubs and ribbon on June 19—leading to the June 22 apparatus finals. Group events begin June 21, with routines in five hoops and five pairs of clubs counting toward both all-around and apparatus titles. That day will conclude with medals awarded for all-around and team titles.

The final day will feature six apparatus finals (four individual, two group).

This marks the third edition of the Junior Worlds and the largest yet, with debut appearances from countries like Syria and Madagascar. Top group contenders include Ukraine, Brazil, Bulgaria, Israel, Spain, and Italy. In individual competition, standout athletes include six-time Pan Am gold medalist Natalie de la Rosa (USA) and Bulgaria’s home team trio: Magdalena Valkova, Aleksa Rasheva, and Anastasia Kaleva.