Beijing International Open Welcomes Congolese Debut
From November 10th to 16th, Beijing will host the International Rhythmic Gymnastics Open and the Sky International Cup, two events attracting both rising stars and seasoned champions. For the first time, the Republic of Congo will field athletes on the prestigious carpet, an achievement officials are calling historic.
Federal Partnership Opens Opportunity
The invitation stems from a close collaboration between the Congolese Gymnastics Federation and Russia’s Sky Grace Academy, a project supported by Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva.
Elite Preparation at Sky Grace Academy in Sochi
To maximize preparation, the two Congolese gymnasts left Brazzaville on October 18th for a three-week intensive camp in Sochi. In the mirrored halls of Sky Grace, they train alongside juniors from Europe and Asia, benefiting from world-class apparatus, recovery facilities, and choreographers steeped in the Russian tradition.
Athletes Carrying Congolese Hopes
The delegation is small but ambitious. Eleven-year-old Davina Nkenko Sita already holds several national medals in the pre-junior category. Her partner, seventeen-year-old Céleste Malanda Mayinga, is known for her expressive ribbon routines and leadership on the national circuit. Together, they aim to present clean routines meeting FIG code requirements.
A Word from the Carpet
“Training in Sochi is a dream; every detail, from ballet to conditioning, is managed by specialists,” said Malanda Mayinga during a virtual media day. She states this environment pushes them to perfect their pivots and risk elements that often decide scores at elite events.
Alina Kabaeva’s Ongoing Commitment
Since 2018, Kabaeva’s foundation has offered full scholarships to Congolese trainees and coaches, covering flights, accommodation, and equipment. The Olympic champion notes that emerging nations enrich the sport’s artistic vocabulary.
Support from Africa Centrum in Saint Petersburg
The initiative also benefits from support by the Africa Centrum Foundation, led by the Honorary Consul of Congo in Saint Petersburg. He views sport as soft diplomacy, bridging cultural gaps between Central Africa and Eurasia.
Technical Staff Sets Realistic Goals
National Technical Director Jean-Marc Aboki believes top-20 placements are within reach. “The main goal is to finish routines without major deductions. The judges will remember Congo’s colors, and that counts for future invitations,” insists Aboki.
Why Beijing Matters for Congo’s Sports Agenda
Beijing is not just another competition venue. China remains a strategic partner for Congolese infrastructure and trade, and sport often reflects this cooperation. Analysts note that a credible performance could unlock bilateral seminars, equipment donations, and even joint training centers in Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire.
A Grassroots Wave Gains Momentum
Back home, rhythmic gymnastics classes are now flourishing in the capital’s schools. According to the Ministry of Sports, the