Athletes, coaches and federation representatives discussed preparation, teamwork, national pride, communication and the importance of supporters during a special AcroPesaro 2026 live interview.

Text: Silvana Conte
Photos: Uzbekistan Federation and World Gymnastics

Team Uzbekistan is building momentum towards the 2026 Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships in Pesaro, sharing its sporting journey, preparation and ambitions during a special live interview organised by AcroPesaro 2026.

The conversation brought together athlete Anvar Gofurov; mixed pair athletes Ikromjon Raimov and Umida Nasivaliyeva; coaches Bobur Khudayberdiyev and Yevgeniya Lushnikova; Damir Shaipov, Head Coach of the Uzbekistan National Acrobatic Gymnastics Team and World Gymnastics International Brevet Judge Category 2; and Adil Ahmadzada, responsible for Marketing and Communication for the Uzbekistan Gymnastics Federation.

Throughout the interview, the members of Team Uzbekistan spoke about the work taking place behind the scenes as they prepare to compete on the world stage in Pesaro.

Experience Guiding a New Generation

Damir Shaipov reflected on a life dedicated to acrobatic gymnastics, beginning as an athlete at the age of six before becoming a coach and international judge.

A several-time winner of the Uzbekistan Championships, Shaipov also earned silver medals at the Asian Championships in both 1996 and 1998.

He explained that his competitive experience helps him understand the physical and emotional challenges faced by gymnasts. Today, that knowledge allows him to support the national team not only as a coach, but also as a mentor.

Shaipov highlighted the importance of preparing every aspect of a routine. At the highest international level, difficulty alone is not enough. Execution, artistry, presentation and attention to detail can all influence the final result.

As a World Gymnastics International Brevet Judge Category 2, he also underlined the responsibility of judging every performance fairly and objectively, regardless of the athlete or country being represented.

His experience as an athlete, coach and judge now helps him guide the next generation, correct technical details and prepare the team for the demands of major international competitions.

Discipline, Confidence and Mental Preparation

Yevgeniya Lushnikova participated in both Asian Championships and World Championships during her competitive career and was also a medallist at the Asian Championships.

During the interview, she spoke about the values she aims to pass on to Uzbekistan’s athletes, stressing that talent must be supported by discipline, hard work and self-belief.

According to Lushnikova, mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation. Before a major competition, athletes must trust the work completed in training, remain calm and perform with confidence.

She encourages the gymnasts not to be afraid, to believe in their preparation and to enjoy the opportunity to present their routines on the international stage.

Her message to the next generation of Uzbek gymnasts was clear: believe in yourself, respect and trust your coaches, work consistently and never stop pursuing your dreams.

Most importantly, she said, athletes must love what they do and remain dedicated to acrobatic gymnastics.

Teamwork at the Centre of Uzbekistan’s Preparation

Coach Bobur Khudayberdiyev explained that the final months before the World Championships are focused not only on technical preparation, but also on developing trust, responsibility and team spirit.

In acrobatic gymnastics, no athlete can work in isolation. Every pair and group depends on communication and complete confidence between partners.

Khudayberdiyev described discipline, responsibility, trust and teamwork as essential elements of success, adding that hard work remains the foundation of every achievement.

The coaching team is also helping the younger athletes balance their education with the demanding training schedule required to compete internationally.

Looking ahead to Pesaro, Khudayberdiyev said the coaches would feel proud if every athlete performed with confidence, demonstrated the full value of their preparation and represented Uzbekistan with dignity and passion, regardless of the final results.

Anvar Gofurov: Motivated by the Flag and Anthem

Anvar Gofurov spoke about his journey from discovering acrobatic gymnastics as a child to representing Uzbekistan at major international competitions.

A several-time winner of national competitions, Gofurov earned a silver medal at the Asian Championships in mixed pairs, reached the World Championships final in the men’s group and became an Asian champion at the continental championships held in India.

During the interview, he also spoke on behalf of Uzbekistan’s Men’s Group, composed of him, Aziz Saparbayev, Ikrom Nosirov, Hikmatullo Ibrohimov.

Gofurov described his first Asian Championships medal as one of the most important moments of his career.

His strongest motivation continues to come from his family, teammates, coaches and the opportunity to represent his country.

Hearing the Uzbek national anthem and seeing the national flag raised after a successful performance remains a powerful source of inspiration. It motivates him and his teammates to return to training, continue improving and pursue new achievements.

Gofurov also spoke about the international community created through acrobatic gymnastics. Meeting athletes from different continents, sharing experiences and supporting one another can help the discipline continue to develop worldwide.

For him, international competitions are not only about results. They are also an opportunity to create friendships, learn from other teams and contribute to the global growth of acrobatic gymnastics.

Trust Defines Uzbekistan’s Mixed Pair

Mixed pair athletes Ikromjon Raimov and Umida Nasivaliyeva discussed the partnership they have developed through years of training together.

Their individual journeys in acrobatic gymnastics eventually brought them together as a pair, allowing them to combine their strengths and develop a shared competitive identity.

Nasivaliyeva explained that years of preparation have created complete trust between them. When performing the most difficult elements, each athlete understands the other and they work as one team.

For Raimov, winning three silver medals at the 2025 Asian Championships in India remains one of the pair’s most memorable achievements. The high level of competition made the result particularly significant and demonstrated that their hard work was producing results.

Representing Uzbekistan at the World Championships will be a source of both pride and responsibility for the pair.

Their goal is to proudly represent their country, show the quality of Uzbekistan’s acrobatic gymnastics programme and demonstrate that its athletes can compete at the highest international level.

Support from the Stands Can Make a Difference

A recurring theme throughout the interview was the importance of families, friends, coaches, teammates and supporters.

The athletes explained that hearing applause and knowing that people believe in them provides additional confidence during a performance.

Nasivaliyeva said that support from families, different regions of Uzbekistan and spectators from other countries encourages the athletes to show everything they are capable of achieving.

Shaipov agreed that the presence of supporters can make a significant difference, giving gymnasts additional motivation when they step onto the competition floor.

Knowing that their families, coaches, teammates and fans believe in them can provide the confidence and energy needed to perform at their best.

Team Uzbekistan therefore invited supporters to follow its journey and, whenever possible, join the athletes in Pesaro and bring their encouragement directly into the arena.

Adil Ahmadzada: Communication Brings Fans Closer to the Team

Adil Ahmadzada highlighted that communication has become fundamental for sports organisations. Through digital platforms, federations can provide information, introduce athletes to a wider audience and show the passion, hard work and dedication behind every performance. Communication can help more people discover acrobatic gymnastics and feel personally connected to the athletes representing their country.

The objective is not only to publish competition results, but also to create a bridge between athletes and supporters. Fans can follow the team’s preparation, understand the work behind each routine and become part of its international journey.

Ahmadzada also emphasised the importance of the fans’ presence, both online and inside the arena. “Every message and every cheer gives our athletes extra motivation,” he said. “Stay with Team Uzbekistan, believe in us, and let us make these World Championships unforgettable together.”

AcroPesaro 2026 Competition Dates

AcroPesaro 2026 will bring together the international acrobatic gymnastics community across two major weeks of competition at the Vitrifrigo Arena in Pesaro.

The World Youth Competition and Junior World Championships will take place from 17 to 20 September 2026.

The Senior World Championships will follow from 24 to 27 September 2026.

The event will celebrate the 30th edition of the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships, welcoming athletes, coaches, judges, federations, media and supporters from across the world.

Tickets Available Online Only

Tickets for AcroPesaro 2026 will be available online only through Vivaticket.

There will be no on-site ticket sales at the Vitrifrigo Arena.

Spectators planning to attend the competitions are therefore encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance.

Official ticket information and access to the Vivaticket platform will be available through the AcroPesaro 2026 website.

Uzbekistan Ready to Live the AcroDream

For Team Uzbekistan, the competitions in Pesaro represent much more than an international sporting event.

They are an opportunity to demonstrate years of preparation, strengthen friendships within the international acrobatic gymnastics community and proudly represent Uzbekistan on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

As the team continues its preparation, its message to supporters is simple: follow the athletes, believe in them and help bring the energy of Uzbekistan into the arena.

Team Uzbekistan is ready to live its AcroDream in Pesaro.

Stay tuned for news, interviews, ticket information and competition updates through the official AcroPesaro 2026 channels:

Website: www.acropesaro2026.com
Instagram: @acropesaro2026
Facebook: AcroPesaro 2026