Uzbekistan Dominates Day One as Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships Open in Bishkek
BISHKEK, 23 May 2026 — Uzbekistan dominated the opening qualification day of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships, claiming the top spot in five of six categories contested. The People’s Republic of China prevented a full sweep by edging Kazakhstan in the Senior Group by just 0.05 points.
Takhmina Ikromova posted the highest score of the day, registering 28.10 in Senior Hoop to lead a 32-gymnast field. Her teammate Anastasiya Sarantseva took Senior Ball with 27.35, with Ikromova close behind in second on 27.20 to give Uzbekistan a double podium opening.
Kazakhstan answered with depth across the board. Akmaral Yerekesheva placed second in Hoop and fifth in Ball, while Aibota Yertaikyzy took third in Ball. Wang Zilu of the People’s Republic of China was third in Hoop and fourth in Ball, confirming her status as a serious contender heading into finals.
The Senior Group event delivered the day’s tightest result. The People’s Republic of China won the 5 Balls qualification with 24.70, edging Kazakhstan by just 0.05 points. Korea finished third on 24.25, ahead of Japan and Uzbekistan, with ten teams contesting the apparatus.
The Uzbek pipeline carried into the junior ranks. Leysan Kuzmenko won Hoop with 25.85, and Sabina Kagirova took Ball with 24.80. Host nation Kyrgyzstan produced the standout home moment of the day through Sofiia Iarovaia, who placed second in Junior Hoop. Kazakhstan’s Aiganym Rysbek finished runner-up in Junior Ball.
Uzbekistan extended its winning streak into the Junior Group, taking the 5 Balls qualification with 23.85. Kazakhstan finished second on 23.00, with Chinese Taipei rounding out the podium on 19.55.
The Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships continue in Bishkek through 26 May, with Clubs and Ribbon qualifications, All-Around finals, and apparatus finals still to be contested.
FULL RESULTS — DAY 1 QUALIFICATIONS
Senior Hoop, Top 8
- Takhmina Ikromova (UZB) 28.10
- Akmaral Yerekesheva (KAZ) 27.15
- Wang Zilu (CHN) 26.90
- Wang Qi (CHN) 26.75
- Mirano Kita (JPN) 26.60
- Aibota Yertaikyzy (KAZ) 26.20
- Eunchae Seo (KOR) 26.15
- Natalya Usova (UZB) 25.95
Senior Ball, Top 8
- Anastasiya Sarantseva (UZB) 27.35
- Takhmina Ikromova (UZB) 27.20
- Aibota Yertaikyzy (KAZ) 26.50
- Wang Zilu (CHN) 26.45
- Akmaral Yerekesheva (KAZ) 25.75
- Eunchae Seo (KOR) 25.60
- Wang Qi (CHN) 25.30
- Zlata Arkatova (KGZ) 25.30
Senior Group 5 Balls
- People’s Republic of China 24.70
- Kazakhstan 24.65
- Korea 24.25
- Japan 23.35
- Uzbekistan 22.10
- Malaysia 21.60
- Chinese Taipei 21.55
- Kyrgyzstan 20.55
- Thailand 19.95
- Singapore 16.10
Junior Hoop, Top 8
- Leysan Kuzmenko (UZB) 25.85
- Sofiia Iarovaia (KGZ) 24.85
- Haeun Jung (KOR) 24.15
- Linara Zhailauova (KAZ) 23.75
- Zhixuan Chen (CHN) 23.35
- Arissa Li (TPE) 22.00
- Lydia Huien Lim (SGP) 21.75
- Poe Syuen Wong (MAS) 21.50
Junior Ball, Top 8
- Sabina Kagirova (UZB) 24.80
- Aiganym Rysbek (KAZ) 24.50
- Juah Lee (KOR) 22.85
- Nailia Omurbekova (KGZ) 22.65
- Zhixuan Chen (CHN) 22.50
- Avery Wen Xuan Tan (SGP) 21.85
- An Igarashi (JPN) 21.25
- Bei Ru Yoong (MAS) 21.05
Junior Group 5 Balls
- Uzbekistan 23.85
- Kazakhstan 23.00
- Chinese Taipei 19.55
- Korea 18.00
- Japan 16.85
- Kyrgyzstan 14.55
- Mongolia 14.40
