The Volga University's scientific conference brought together the leaders of the Russian Gymnastics Federation and coaches from across the country.

      The Volga Region University of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism opened the V All‑Russian Scientific and Practical Conference “The State, Problems and Ways of Improving Sports and Health Training in Gymnastics, Dance Sport and Fitness.” It was organized at the initiative of the university’s Department of Theory and Methods of Gymnastics in close cooperation with the Gymnastics Federation of Russia and the Association of Sports Psychologists of Russia, as well as with sports universities from Azerbaijan, Belarus and Kazakhstan. In addition, the conference is traditionally timed to coincide with the celebration of All‑Russian Gymnastics Day.

      The scientific event began with a plenary session attended by and featuring as presidium members the leaders of the Gymnastics Federation of Russia: Executive Director Varvara Barysheva, her deputy Egor Romanov and the vice‑presidents for the disciplines – sports acrobatics Irina Nikitina, rhythmic gymnastics Darya Dyukova, sports aerobics Vladislav Oskner, trampoline Nikolai Makarov and artistic gymnastics Nikita Nagorny.

      The conference also brought together representatives of 22 universities, regional sports federations, specialists from the Center for Sports Training of the Russian Ministry of Sport, the Public Chamber of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Kazan Sports Committee and many other sports organizations. Among the speakers were coaches of the Russian national team.

      In total, more than 200 people from 22 regions of Russia and from neighboring countries — Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan — took part in the event. They submitted over 100 scientific papers.

      “Over the years the conference has established itself as an important platform for exchange of experience among scientists, coaches, medical specialists and federation leaders. This year we are focused on current tasks: improving the efficiency of the training process, implementing digital technologies and analytics, ensuring safety and preventing injuries, as well as developing mass sport initiatives,” said the rector of the Volga Region University, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Education Rafis Burganov, opening the conference.

      Varvara Barysheva, Executive Director of the Gymnastics Federation of Russia, addressed the participants and guests with a welcoming speech. She emphasized that the conference is a significant event: nearly the entire leadership of the federation had gathered at the university.

      “Not every university has been fortunate enough to become the host of the World Summer Universiade and the basis of the educational center of the International Federation of Student Games. One can only envy contemporary students who have the opportunity to study at unquestionably the best sports university in the country.

      At present the Volga Region University rightfully stands as an advanced educational, scientific and sports center with modern sports infrastructure. The university’s faculty, students and alumni make a significant contribution to the development of physical culture and sport in our country. They also bring renown to the university, the Republic of Tatarstan and the Russian Federation on the international stage. The Gymnastics Federation of Russia values the work carried out by the Department of Theory and Methods of Gymnastics to ensure the development of gymnastic sports, and expresses its gratitude personally to the head of the department Lyubov Nikolaevna Botova.

      I am confident that the cooperation agreement between the Gymnastics Federation of Russia and the Volga Region University will give a new impetus to our interaction and to the launch of new lines of work, including the development and creation of all‑Russian health and general fitness programs based on gymnastics for all ages,” said Varvara Barysheva.

      At the end of her remarks she also expressed gratitude to the Republic of Tatarstan — to the Government, to Rais Rustam Minnikhanov and to the Ministry of Sport — for the opportunity to hold a grand celebration of All‑Russian Gymnastics Day. She stressed that this year is special: gymnastics is marking the 140th anniversary of the first gymnastics competitions held in Russia.

      Marat Bariev, a deputy of the State Council of Tatarstan, also addressed the conference participants.

      “I have had the chance to meet and get to know many colleagues from different cities in the country. We are all united by the understanding that without scientific support, without sports science, the development of physical culture and sport is impossible. Scientific support for sport has been a priority since the Ministry of Sport in the Republic of Tatarstan was established 25 years ago. And this has produced results — in 2009 Kazan was recognized as the sports capital of Russia. Overall, in Tatarstan the development of physical culture and sport is one of the priorities of the entire socio‑economic policy conducted under the leadership of Rais Rustam Minnikhanov.

      Traditionally our conference, held since 2021 at the Volga Region University, is intended to integrate practical experience, innovative proposals, approaches and scientific research for the further development of gymnastic sports. Now, thanks to the creation of a unified Gymnastics Federation of Russia, the conference’s reach has significantly expanded. I believe the reports and master classes will become effective tools for preparing competitive Russian gymnasts and, in general, will influence the development and popularization of our wonderful sports,” he stressed.

      The first speaker at the plenary session was Oleg Emelyanov, Head of the Digital Transformation Department of the Gymnastics Federation of Russia. He raised for discussion the topic of current trends in digitalization in gymnastic sports, emphasizing that the federation is actively developing its digital athlete database. The Volga Region University was represented at the plenary session by the deputy head of the medical and sanitary unit of the research institute, Rustam Yakubov, who spoke about problems and the prevention of injuries in young athletes.

      The brightest presentation was given by Nikita Nagorny, Vice‑President of the Gymnastics Federation of Russia and Honored Master of Sport in artistic gymnastics. Using the example of the Gymnastics Premier League, he spoke about new competition formats in artistic gymnastics. Particular attention was paid to attracting partners to fund competitions and support sports teams, as well as to media coverage of the tournament.

      “Kazan is a priority in terms of results, opportunities and support for sports projects. Today special attention should be paid to the fact that each regional federation can develop autonomously: create opportunities, attract resources and assist the national federation. Kazan is precisely demonstrating that this is possible.

      I am grateful to all the regions that responded and supported the initiative to create the Gymnastics Premier League — a tournament for those who are not on the national team. This project can not only break even but also be profitable, attracting ever more new partners. It is currently supported by FonBet, Zdorovoe Otechestvo, RZD, Yandex, Rolf and VTB.

      In the new season the tournament has expanded. Last year six teams took part, and this year we held selection from twelve. Eight teams reached the playoffs, half of them finalists from last season. This year we also enrolled six women’s teams. At the head of each team we placed a well‑known captain, thanks to whom it has been possible to attract partners to support the athletes,” Nikita Nagorny shared.

      During his speech he also congratulated Angelina Melnikova on the medals she won at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, which are currently taking place in Indonesia.

      Ahead in the conference program are roundtables for coaches and master classes by leading specialists from the Association of Sports Psychologists. Meetings will also be held between the vice‑presidents of the Gymnastics Federation of Russia and the heads of regional federations, along with sectional sessions. The conference will conclude with a final discussion.

      Tomorrow, October 25, Kazan will become the central venue for a large‑scale celebration of All‑Russian Gymnastics Day, which will take place at the Volga Region University’s sports facility — the Gymnastics Center. Among the expected events are master classes, autograph sessions with prominent athletes, and entertainment and educational activities for young athletes and their parents. The day will culminate in a spectacular gymnastic show. Distinguished athletes and gymnastics veterans have been invited as guests of the celebration.