The 50th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships opened in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Monday, making it the first international sporting event in Japan after the Tokyo Games.
The world championships, being held at the Kitakyushu City General Gymnasium until Sunday, are the subject of a trial study by the government to ease restrictions on large events. No cap was set on the number of spectators. The spectators were allowed to enter the gymnasium after showing an ID card plus proof of vaccination or negative test results for the novel coronavirus at the entrance.
According to the organizing committee, 1,816 people, or about 70% of the total number of available seats, including ticket buyers and invited guests, entered the venue on the first day. There were no reports of problems, such as ID checks causing crowded bottlenecks. Athletes were greeted with applause from the spectators when they performed. They responded by waving to the spectators.
A total of 308 athletes from 56 countries and regions are registered for the competition. They will be competing for titles in each event as well as the men's and women's all-around titles.
The 38th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships will begin on Oct. 27 at a different venue in the same city. It will also be held with no limit on the number of spectators.
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