Top gymnasts shine at national championships in Tongchuan

The 2026 National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships and National Youth Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships opened at Tongchuan Gymnasium in Tongchuan, Shaanxi province, on Oct 21, bringing together more than 400 athletes from across China for a week of competition.

Dubbed "ballet on the carpet," rhythmic gymnastics combines athletic precision with artistic expression through routines featuring rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. The championships include individual and group events across multiple age categories.

Shaanxi's Wang Zilu, a two-time national all-around champion, was a standout on the opening day. Fresh from winning bronze in the individual all-around at the Nagoya Asian Games, she scored 26.50 points in the hoop qualifier and 27.40 in the ball event, totaling 53.90 to top the standings.

Wang said she has been managing injuries while competing in a demanding schedule this year. She praised the venue and organization in Tongchuan, saying they meet World Cup standards.

In the senior group all-around qualifiers, Shaanxi's team placed second with 48.25 points, securing a place in the finals.

Tongchuan has hosted major rhythmic gymnastics events for three consecutive years, including the 2024 National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships and Paris Olympic trials, followed by the 2025 National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships and National Youth Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.

With quality venues and professional event organization, the sport has become a signature part of the city's sporting identity.