Uzbek Star Dazzles For Asian Treble

It's Ikromova's third all-around title; S'pore rhythmic gymnasts also perform creditably

- Melvyn Teoh

Putting on a masterclass in poise, Uzbek gymnast Takhmina Ikromova showed just why she is one of the best in the continent with a dominant display at the Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Singapore over the weekend.

Holding the audience spellbound at the OCBC Arena, the 20-year-old won the individual all-round category for a third time on May 17, regaining the title from retired Kazakh Elzhana Taniyeva following her 2022 and 2023 triumphs.

Ikromova racked up a score of 84.500 over the hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon segments, while compatriot Anastasiya Sarantseva took silver with 83.850, ahead of Kazakh Aibota Yertaikyzy (82.200).

On May 18, Ikromova picked up another two golds in the apparatus finals for the ball and clubs, drawing more cheers and applause from the audience as she demonstrated immaculate grace under pressure. Sarantseva and Yertaikyzy won the hoop and ribbon titles respectively.

Speaking through a translator, Ikromova said: "I'm very happy with the results here at the Asian championships.

"The conditions here are different from our country and that was a bit of a challenge but overall my performance was good."