Armenian athletes to participate in 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships launched in Antwerp, Belgium on October 1. 540 athletes from 78 countries participate in the aforesaid championship. Among them are Vahagn Stepanyan and Harutyun Merdinyan, who are representing the Republic of Armenia.

As reports "Armenpress" the two Armenian athletes will perform on pommel horse. They will enter the competition venue today.

Previously Vahagn Stepanyan and Harutyun Merdinyan won medals in the European and World Cup tournaments and have a rich experience of participation in international tournaments.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has entrusted the organization of the 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships to the Flemish Gymnastics Federation (GymFed), the Flemish division of the Royal Belgian Gymnastics Federation. Furthermore, the City of Antwerp, the Province of Antwerp and the Flemish government will give comprehensive support to this major initiative. In 2013 Antwerp holds the prestigious title of ‘European Capital of Sports’ and within this scope the World Championships constitute an important event.

In 2013 Belgium will host the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships for the third time. In 1903 the very first World Gymnastics Championships were also organized in Antwerp. Exactly 110 years later the competition returns to this city. Another Belgian city, namely Ghent, has had the honour of organizing the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in 2001.