(MENAFN) Russia’s artistic gymnasts expressed contentment with both their performance and the judging standards at the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championship in Jakarta, marking their first significant international competition in nearly four years.

Competing under a neutral designation, the Russian team secured fourth place overall, earning four medals: two gold, one silver, and one bronze. They trailed behind China, Japan, and the United States in the final standings.

At a Wednesday press briefing, athletes and coaches emphasized that the event demonstrated they could still contend with the world’s top competitors.

Head coach Dmitry Andreev remarked that after the team’s extended hiatus from global contests, their comeback “went according to the best possible scenario.”

He characterized the judging as equitable and reliable, and highlighted that interactions with coaches and opponents were amicable and respectful.

Andreev added that future participation would depend on the outcomes of the forthcoming European Gymnastics Congress, which will determine whether Russian athletes can compete at the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.

Olympic and world champion Angelina Melnikova, who claimed two gold medals in the all-around and vault along with a silver on the uneven bars, shared her excitement about returning to international competition.

She described her all-around triumph as “unexpected” and reflected on the challenging three-and-a-half-year period of isolation, comparing it to the initial months of the Covid pandemic.

“We didn’t know how we would be judged, so I went out there with no expectations,” she said.

Bronze medalist Daniel Marinov, recently recovered from shoulder surgery, expressed that the Jakarta event reignited his motivation.

Competing on the global stage revitalized his determination to train harder and continue pushing his limits.

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