The grand opening of the Russian Synchronised Swimming Championships took place today at the Aquatics Palace in Kazan. More than 260 athletes, representing 10 Russian cities and regions, are competing in this tournament. The mixed competition was preceded by a welcoming address: the athletes, their coaches, and referees were greeted by Olga Pavlova, member of the State Duma, Vice President of the Russian Synchronised Swimming Federation, Honoured Coach of Russia; Khalil Shaikhutdinov, acting Minister of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan, Honoured Worker of Physical Culture of Tatarstan and Russia; and Rafis Burganov, acting rector of the Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism and First Vice President of the Russian Students’ Sports Union.
In her speech, Olga Pavlova called the Russian tournament a long-awaited event. “It’s a huge celebration for us, we have been looking forward to it for so long, despite all that’s going on in the world,” she said. “These days, you have really strict requirements to meet if you want to hold a competition. And sometimes you think, ‘Why bother?’ But we can’t do it any other way, we can’t do without synchronised swimming, because it’s our strongest, most medal-earning, most golden discipline. And today, real battles are beginning on this mirror-smooth water. Lots of gorgeous, spectacular performances, lots of emotion, new routines, really fantastical elements.” The Vice President of the Russian Synchronised Swimming Federation gave special thanks to the tournament’s Organising Committee and to the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan.
She wished success to the athletes as well. “I think that we will definitely claim the pedestal at the Olympics in Tokyo, and you all understand what place we are aiming for,” she concluded.
Khalil Shaikhutdinov, acting Minister of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan, also had the best wishes for everyone. He mentioned that the Championships’ host, Kazan, greatly appreciated the trust that the Russian Synchronised Swimming Federation placed in the city. “It is our great honour to welcome the best athletes, referees, and coaches for the fifth time. The locals and guests of Kazan will be able to enjoy three whole days of vibrant, stunning synchronised performances by the competing athletes,” said Khalil Shaikhutdinov.
He also remarked on the successful development of aquatics in Tatarstan. The Republic currently has 234 swimming pools, with more construction ongoing. The acting Minister of Sport thanked Tatyana Pokrovskaya, head coach of the Russian national team, for opening an Olympic reserve school in Tatartstan (which now bears her name). Khalil Shaikhutdinov shared his hope for the Tatarstani athletes taking the lead among Russia’s teams.
In other news, today’s competition revealed the winning solo athletes and teams with the best technical routine.
Press office of ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects”