The Rising Stars international women's artistic gymnastics competition opens on Friday in Ploiesti, with 53 gymnasts from five countries entered.

'Ploiesti will host the Rising Stars international competition, a landmark event for juniors and pre-juniors, held July 10 - 12 at the Olimpia Sports Hall. Beyond the performances of young athletes, the event has a major strategic importance, as it will host Selection Stage II for the European Championships, both for senior and junior categories,' the Ploiesti City Hall said.

Athletes from Romania, Greece, Croatia, Malta and Azerbaijan will compete, and public access is free.

The municipality noted earlier that the event is part of the '2026 - Nadia Comaneci Year', marking 50 years since the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history, achieved by the legendary Nadia Comaneci at Montreal in 1976.

For three days, spectators will be able to watch high-level routines, discover future stars of gymnastics, and support athletes aiming to represent Romania at major international competitions.

The event is organised by the Ploiesti City Hall in partnership with the Romanian Gymnastics Federation. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Anamaria Constantin; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)

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