The 53rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships officially kicked off on Sunday in Jakarta, marking the start of a week-long celebration of one of the world’s most graceful and demanding sports.
In the latest edition of Talk Sports, Sports Scene anchor Greg Lafffradi sat down with Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), for an exclusive look at the sport’s past and future.
Reflecting on his time at the helm, Watanabe highlighted the resilience of gymnastics. 'We’ve navigated global challenges and grown stronger,' he said, noting how digital platforms and youth programs have broadened the sport’s reach across continents.
Looking ahead, he outlined a vision built on three pillars: nurturing grassroots talent in emerging markets, harnessing technology for training and judging, and promoting sustainability and athlete well-being.
Watanabe also shared plans to launch new development camps, explore virtual reality coaching tools, and deepen partnerships with G20 sports bodies to keep gymnastics fresh, inclusive and globally connected.
As athletes prepare to compete under the Jakarta lights, the FIG president’s roadmap promises an inspiring era for gymnastics fans, athletes and digital nomads seeking to experience sport’s evolving landscape in real time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
