From September 28 to October 8, Azerbaijan will host the 3rd CIS Games — a major sporting event that will unite seven cities across the country. The program features 23 disciplines, with trampoline gymnastics set to be one of the most spectacular competitions. The trampoline events will take place in the city of Shaki.
The Azerbaijani national team is actively preparing for the upcoming tournament, with both male and female athletes getting ready to test their strength. Training camps, final team selection, and synchronized routine rehearsals are all part of the comprehensive preparation, now reaching its final stage.
Head coach of the Azerbaijani trampoline team, Vladimir Shulikin, shared details about the team’s progress:
Athletes born in 2009 or earlier will take part in the 3rd CIS Games. Our preparation is nearly complete, although the final team lineup is still being finalized. We have already confirmed four female athletes, while six male candidates are competing for four spots on the final roster. Everything is going according to plan, and all necessary conditions have been created for us.”
According to Shulikin, the level of competition will be extremely high:
“Strong rivals from Russia and Belarus will take part, including a two-time Olympic champion. Gymnasts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and several other countries have also confirmed their participation. The competition will be held at the highest level. We have our own leaders, such as Seljan Mahsudova, who will be a strong contender for a medal. We also have good chances in synchronized events, both among women and men. Since the tournament is being hosted in Azerbaijan, we must deliver a worthy performance. We hope to win about four medals.”
Shulikin also emphasized the rapid growth of trampoline gymnastics in Azerbaijan:
“Trampoline gymnastics has been developing in our country for only about 12 years, yet we have already achieved significant success. Thanks to the efforts of the Gymnastics Federation, a training system was built almost from scratch, and as a result, an Azerbaijani athlete qualified for the Olympic Games for the very first time. This success sparked great interest in the discipline and significantly boosted its popularity among young people. If in the past many people didn’t even know what trampoline gymnastics was, today the sport is attracting increasing attention. We are confident that at the 3rd CIS Games, our athletes will represent Azerbaijan with dignity.”
